Pace Setter : October 2025

Sandy Morley Named 2025 Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award

 

Sandy’s impact on the running community is wide-reaching. A 2011 inductee into the SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame, she was recognized there as an “innovator and catalyst whose far-reaching efforts and programs have promoted physical education for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities.”

Coaching and Youth Development

Sandy retired in 2011 after a 34-year career in education, culminating as Principal of Bethlehem Middle School in Delmar. Alongside her professional career, she was deeply committed to coaching and building youth running programs.

From 1983 through 2000 (or 2001), she served as the varsity cross country coach at Guilderland, developing the program into one of the state’s strongest. Her teams finished among the top 20 in New York State three times, and she played a pivotal role in inspiring young runners to reach their potential.

Freihofer’s Run for Women & Youth Programs

For more than two decades (1990–2012), Sandy directed the Freihofer’s Run for Women’s School Visitation Program, which brought elite athletes into classrooms to speak with students about running, fitness, and goal-setting. She personally transported runners to schools, organized assemblies, and ensured the program’s success year after year.

She was also heavily involved with the Freihofer’s Kids’ Run, coordinating start and finish volunteers and helping thousands of children experience the joy of running.

Just Run Program & Track Meets

Since the inception of the Just Run program in 2010, Sandy has been a key leader in organizing the end-of-season track and cross-country meets. As head clerk, she has overseen the organization of hundreds of races, coordinating heats, lineups, and logistics to create memorable experiences for young athletes.

Her commitment to youth running also extended to the Tuesday Night Summer Track Meets at South Colonie High School, where, for more than 20 years, she has worked alongside director Frank Myers. Sandy has served as lap counter, timekeeper, finish-line coordinator, and results poster, ensuring smooth races week after week.

Winter Series & Beyond

In addition to her work with youth programs, Sandy has been a longtime volunteer at the HMRRC Winter Series, regularly serving as an outdoor course marshal in all weather conditions. Her steady presence and enthusiasm have helped keep races safe and welcoming for runners of all levels.

A Lifetime of Service

Over the years, Sandy has received numerous professional and service awards, reflecting her tireless efforts to promote running, fitness, and community engagement. Her contributions have touched thousands of lives—from schoolchildren inspired by elite athletes, to local runners supported at weekly meets, to families cheered on at community races.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes not just Sandy’s impressive résumé, but the energy, kindness, and dedication she has brought to every role she has taken on. This honor is only a small measure of thanks for the enormous impact she has made on our running community.