Pace Setter : October 2025

Highlights of the HMRRC Annual General Meeting

HMRRC held its Annual General Meeting on September 1, following the Labor Day Race in Schenectady's Central Park. President Ravi Chauhan provided an overview of club activities and accomplishments from the past year.

Membership

• Current membership: 2,245

Program Updates

• Volunteer Memberships: Following a successful 2024 pilot program, HMRRC permanently adopted a free annual membership to volunteers as a thank-you for their service. This has helped boost volunteer recruitment at minimal cost to the Club.
• Youth and Student Discounts: A new pilot program offers 50% discounts to youth runners and free entries for college students at select races. Its impact will be reviewed during the year-end budgeting process.
• Just Run: Just Run expanded to 39 elementary schools this year – the most ever – and 1,900 kids participated in the program. Its continued growth is projected to require an additional day for the spring track meet next year.

Club Developments in 2025

• New Facility: The Club moved from Cohoes to 930 Albany Shaker Road in Latham, providing space for the van, equipment, and potential board meetings and packet pickups. Thanks to Denis Hurley and volunteers for securing the site, and John Parisella and crew for spearheading the move.
• Timing System: A new timing system, set up by Ed Neiles and Brian Northan, was successfully used at the Valley Cats 5K and Labor Day 5K.
• Member Discounts: A thanks to Tom O'Grady, as members now receive a discount at the Running Warehouse. The discount code can be found on the Club's website at  www.memberscommunications-hmrrc.wildapricot.org, under the Members Only Discount section.

Grand Prix Series

The 2025–2026 Grand Prix began with the Labor Day 5K. Volunteer points for last year's results are being compiled, and winners will receive gift cards. Members will receive an email to confirm results. Thanks to Ed Hampston and Chris Kurkjian for managing the standings.

Upcoming Events

• Distinguished Service Race (September 21) – Honoring Sandy Morley. This is the second race in the Grand Prix series.
• Hall of Fame – Nominations are now open; the induction ceremony will be held on December 11, 2025. 
• Holiday Banquet – Scheduled for December 11, 2025, at Max110. Thanks to Jennifer Richardson, our new Events Coordinator, for organizing the banquet.

Elections

At the meeting, members elected the following to serve two-year (2025–2027) terms on the Board of Directors:

• Casey Vincelette – Vice President for Running Events
• Brian Borden – Treasurer (serving another two-year term)
• Chris Kurkjian – Vice President of Finance
• Sarah James – Member at Large
• Jamie Thorp – Treasurer for Running Events

Continuing board members include:

• Ravi Chauhan, President
• Denis Hurley, Vice President
• Linda DeDominicis, Secretary
• Members At-Large: Jennifer Richardson, Marey Bailey, and Chuck Terry III

Special thanks were given to outgoing board and committee members:

• Kathy Van Valen (Vice President of Finance)
• Bob Barbato (Race Committee Treasurer)
• Nick Demos (Vice President of Running Events)
• Barbara Sorrell (Race Insurance Coordinator)

Transitions:

• Bob Barbato will assume the role of Mohawk Hudson River Marathon/Half Marathon Director from Maureen Cox, who will be stepping down after many years of service.
• Linda DeDominicis will take over from Barbara Sorrell as Insurance Coordinator.