Of course it was a very hot day on July 21. It’s always hot for the Gardiner 5K Classic. That’s when we held the Gardiner 5K Classic.

In spite of the weather everyone had a wonderful time. We had water stops along the way and our neighbors took out their hoses and cooled down the runners who wanted to get wet. We also brought back the BBQ and the kid’s fun run since the pandemic. Thanks to the many sponsors, runners/walkers, and volunteers who gave of their time parking cars, working the registration desk, giving water to participants running/walking the course, setting up, cleaning up and just being there to help on the day of the race to make the Gardiner 5K Classic held at Majestic Park another successful event. The proceeds from this race will be used to make improvements to the inside of the Gardiner firehouse.

A special thanks goes to the members of the Gardiner 5K Classic Committee: Barbara Clinton, John and Landon Fracasse, Bernadette Koonz, Terri Colucci, Luke Lyons and Donna Lyons for all of the help and advice given to the Gardiner Fire Department in order to make this race such a huge success. We couldn’t have done it without them. Also we would like to thank the many sponsors of the race- our PLATINUM sponsors: Rick Hanheide, New Paltz Rescue Squad, O’Connor & Partners, Bubbe’s Deli & Grocery, Ridgeline Realty, P & Gs Restaurant, Gillette Creamery, and P.E. Colucci Excavating, Inc.; our GOLD sponsors: React Emergency Training, Dawe’s Septic and Repair, Mobile Life Support Services, Mountain Brauhaus Restaurant, Salisbury Bank, Yard Owl, Ulster Savings Bank, Jim DeMaio-State Farm Insurance Carl Zatz, Gardiner Animal Hospital, Franz Auto Service, Inc., The Law Offices of Robert F. Rich, Jr. PLLC, New Paltz Karate Academy, Foster and Schmalkuche, P.C., Ultimate Homes, Amthor Welding Service Inc., Garvan’s, Affordable Housing Concept, Scott Barclay Trucking, Upstate Energy Inc., Orange Bank and Trust Company, NYCOMCO, Skydive The Ranch, Masseo Landscaping Inc., Walden Savings Bank, Jellystone Lazy River Resort, Haight Fire Equipment Supply, Lightning Express Delivery Service, Inc., The Natural Pet Center at Ireland Corners, Main Course, New York State Solar Farm, Ireland Corners Gas and Convenience Inc., Fabbian; our SILVER sponsors: Whispers Cocktail Lounge, Ronald E. Clum, CPA, Fighting Spirits Karate Studio, Kellie James Salon, The Rothman Family, Maggie Mae’s LLC, The Inn @ Kettleboro, Hudson Valley Drones, Kornfeld, Rew, Newman and Simeone, John B. Ingenio, CPA, Freer Therapeutics, Dedrick’s Pharmacy of New Paltz, Royal King Cleaners, Stevens Realty Group, Gardiner Gazette, State Line Fire & Safety, Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery, New Paltz Equipment Rental, Nuvance Health, Tom’s Auto Repair Shop, Glenn & Breheney PLLC, Attorneys, Empire Tag and Title, Gordon Fire Equipment LLC., Wiedenkeller Insurance, Peter A. Rubin Insurance Agency, Lola’s, Meadowscent, Ireland Corners General Store, K & E Beverages, C2G Environmental Consultants, LLC, Main Street Bistro, Apuzzo Kitchens, Marshall & Sterling Inc., Dr. Scott I. Morrison, Optometry, PC., The Devine Agency Inc.; and those businesses that either provided the gifts used as prizes for the various winners or gave a donation: Hopewell Fire Apparatus Service Co. Inc., Patrick J. Ford CFP ® ChFC®, Saturn Software Systems, Inc., New Paltz Wine and Spirits, Will Capuano, Martha Linde, Scott Barclay Trucking, Joan Connor Devere, Mary Kay consultant Libra Banks, Mike’s Hot House, Taylor’s Greenhouse, Julian’s Provisions, Meadowscent, Ulster Savings Bank, Renegades, Wallkill View Farms, Café Mio, Pasquales, Town Cutters, Uptown Attic, Stewart’s, Liquid Mercantile, Cuts by Dawn, Shapers of New Paltz, Shoprite, and Hannafords.

The support given to the Gardiner Fire Department, a volunteer organization made up of firefighters and EMTs, was overwhelming and greatly appreciated. If you would like to join the Gardiner Fire Department please visit our website at GardinerFireAndRescue.org and complete an application. We are always looking for volunteers. Next year’s 21st Annual Gardiner 5K Classic is scheduled for July 20, 2023. See you there.