The 20th annual Marshall+Sterling Run 4 Downtown brought runners, walkers, families, businesses, volunteers and community leaders together in downtown Middletown on Saturday, Aug. 15, celebrating fitness, local businesses and community spirit.
The four-mile run/walk, which began in 2006, has raised more than $200,000 over the years for the continued restoration of Historic Downtown Middletown. This year’s proceeds will support the Foundry Alley Revitalization Project.
A 20-year celebration
Event organizer Dave Madden called the anniversary “a really proud moment” and said the event had its biggest turnout yet.
“It’s just an opportunity to bring our community together, celebrate everything that’s great about this town, and 20 years in, love it,” Madden said. He also highlighted the Taste of the Town, where 24 restaurants were expected to participate.
Madden emphasized that funds raised through the event support visible improvements in the community, including the clock and stage in the park. This year’s Foundry Alley project is expected to help create “a more walkable and inviting community.”
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Bringing Middletown together
Middletown Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano said the race had its strongest participation yet, with about 4,000 people expected downtown throughout the day.
New York State Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay said the event brings together residents, businesses and visitors.
“This is a great day for the city. It brings people together,” Kay said, also thanking the volunteers who make the event possible each year.
For first-time runner Lindsay Scarlett, participating fulfilled a goal she had held since childhood.
“I used to see them run across my house growing up,” Scarlett said. “I always see myself when I grow up. I wanted to try it, and I finally got into it and registered on time.”
Scarlett, who has lived in the area for more than 10 years and serves in the military, said she enjoyed seeing old friends and the growth of downtown, including “new businesses and things are opening.”
Runners find motivation and community
Mary LeRouge brought a team from her CrossFit gym after 10 weeks of training.
“It was a fun community event,” LeRouge said. “It was a fun thing to reach for, to have a goal.”
The race also featured strong athletic performances. Skylar Musa finished as the first woman for the fifth time and is currently training for a November marathon.
Gavin Rossi, competing for the first time, finished first among the men and holds the male course record.
“It’s a great race they have here. I was surprised by how many people were here,” Rossi said, adding that he appreciated the event’s support for local businesses.
William Whelan finished second among the men. A five-time participant who previously won in 2023, 2024 and 2025, he said he came as part of his marathon training and was “just happy to be here.”
The race also recognized its 2026 team challenge winners. Fei Tien College won the Mickey’s Team Challenge Small Division, while Team Piccolo took the Large Division, narrowly edging out the Orange Runners Club. The Mechanicstown Fire Department won the First Responders’ Challenge.
A tradition built on community support
Longtime volunteer Tina, who has helped with the race since its beginning, recalled that the first event had about 100 participants. This year, more than 850 runners took part.
“It brings the community together,” Tina said, noting that the event also features dozens of vendors and the Taste of the Town.
Local businesses have also played a longtime role. Kristen Miranowicz of First Federal Savings of Middletown said the bank has sponsored the event for more than 20 years.
“We’re in the community. We can give back as much as we can,” Miranowicz said.
Eric Duden of Barton & Loguidice, which works with the town and city on infrastructure needs, also praised the event as “a great community event.”
Gan Jing World’s “Family-Safe Platform” message appears above the finish line at the 20th annual Marshall+Sterling Run 4 Downtown. Gan Jing World CEO Sherry Yin said the company was supporting the community, describing the platform as a place for healthy, positive and family-friendly content.
More than a race
For visitors such as Miriam Marroquin, the event was an opportunity to enjoy the downtown atmosphere and local businesses. Her husband, Dany Marroquin, participated in the race while she enjoyed the festivities.
“Amazing! Everybody is so fun. Everybody’s having fun doing it,” she said.
The celebration continued throughout downtown with the Equilibrium Brewery Post-Race Party, Taste of the Town, YMCA activities and kids’ races. Live entertainment included Mariachi Viva Mexico, Northern Taiko Drummers and the Middletown Marching Middies.
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