Breakneck Marathon 2018

By Kevin Rader

In 2015, I toed the line with a great bunch of running buddies at the first Breakneck Point Marathon. The race quickly turned into an epic failure at mile 8. 7 hours after starting, I took an early out option and stopped to complete the ~15 mile race. Not a DNF, but it still stung. Yesterday, I made another attempt at this killer trail race, again surrounded by amazing running friends old and new, especially Nick Speranza, Daniel Roberto, Christopher McGovern, Jayden K Smith, Jason Braun, Dave Pond, Lauren Gim, Erin McNally, Michele Zandoná and Ben Drew. It was a tough, slow one, but I’m happy to say, I FINISHED IT! 26+ miles, ~ 9000 feet of ascent, 9.5 hours, two pair of socks, two pairs of shoes, probably a gallon of gatorade, multiple cramps in leg muscles I didn’t know I had, an ankle twist, a couple of sits to take in the scenery (and question my life choices), and some praying for the sweet release of death (especially on that one hill late in the race – you know the one). Such an rewarding experience.

Thanks to Ben Drew from Run On Hudson Valley and Ian Golden from Red Newt Racing for putting on this gnarly, kick-ass trail race. Thanks to all my running friends. To the folks from Taconic Road Runners Club who gave up their usual Saturday run to help out at the race, I really appreciate your volunteering. You ran an awesome aid station and your friendly faces, humor, and energy reinvigorated me before taking on the dreaded Breakneck climb. Thanks to Amy Jennifer Hanlon, Erin McNally, Jim Bixler, Mike Cat Skill, Eric Foxhall their help at the Reservoir Road aid station (a station so nice you hit it twice). Thanks for the laughs and the energy boost to tackle Fishkill Ridge! I am grateful and indebted to ALL the wonderful volunteers yesterday. To those runners whose names I didn’t get or might not remember but with whom I shared a mile or two or a laugh along the way, I was grateful for the experience. Nick and Daniel: you were with me at my worst in 2015. You both helped me get ready for yesterday’s race and were with me through it. Thank you so very much! Kudos to all the Leatherman Harriers for some kick-ass training runs (especially the 5am ones with Lee Willett, Peeter Muursepp, and Jeffrey Koenig). And thanks to my loving family for putting up with me through all the training (love you, Jennifer Pisani Rader) and for encouraging (/tolerating) my hobby.