Voorheesville Memorial Day Races – Celebrating 50 Years!

By John Reilly

In early 1976, as the Village of Voorheesville and American Legion Post 1493 prepared for America’s bicentennial and local Memorial Day celebrations, efforts were undertaken to make the celebration a full-day event.  Under the initiative of long-time local runner Herb Reilly, Jr. and the sponsorship of New Scotland Kiwanis, the Voorheesville Memorial Day Races were born. Now, 50 years later, the races continue to play a key role in the day’s events.

The entry form for that first year only listed a 15K race, with a $2 early registration fee, but an article in the May 25, 1976 edition of The Helderberg Sun included a solicitation for interest in a 3.2K race with a note to “call Herb.” That first year there were 44 runners in the 15K and 12 in the 3.2K. From 1978-1981, the 15K was sanctioned by Adirondack AAU as a Cross-Country Championship, and then beginning in 1982 the race was certified by The Athletic Congress. By 1983, the number of runners had increased to 172 for the 15K and 149 for the 3.2K.  

The first runner to cross the 15K finish line in 1976, Carlo Cherubino, proceeded to win through 1982 for seven years in a row, while setting a course record in 1977 of 45:27. The course record for the 3.2K race was set by Dave Garner in 1993 at 9:41.

While several minor modifications have been made to the 15K course over the years, and it is no longer certified, it is essentially the same as it was in 1976; a loop course starting and finishing in the heart of Voorheesville, including about 12K of roadways and 3K of cross-country through Indian Ladder Farms. 

The 3.2K race, a shorter loop within the larger course, starts about 10 minutes after the longer race but finishes well before the distance runners come in over the shared finish line. Coupling May weather with a mid-day start means conditions for these events can vary drastically from year to year; from near freezing to blazing sun to torrential rains – including rains so bad all other Memorial Day events were cancelled one year, but the race was on! While our entrant numbers have decreased over the years we continue to host a mix of first time and repeat participants including one from as far away as Florida. 

Join us for our 50th anniversary events on Saturday, May 23 in downtown Voorheesville. Enjoy the day – see the parade, run the race, receive a race souvenir and maybe a prize, get a free hotdog and cold beverage, listen to live music, reminisce with runners and volunteers, stay for an evening block party, and enjoy fireworks. For race info, visit: vrcclub.org. For village festivities, go to: villageofvoorheesville.gov.

John Reilly (reillyj832@verizon.net) last ran this 3.2K race in 1979 at the age of 13 with a personal best of 14:14.  He’s been volunteering on race day since, now also serving on the board and as treasurer of the event’s organizer, Voorheesville Running and Cycling Club. VRCC aims to position this event for the next 50-years!