Four join WNY Running Hall of Fame

Four veterans of the local running class have joined some very exclusive company.

The Western New York Running Hall of Fame has announced its 14th class, bringing the total number of inductees to 55. This year’s group includes:

•    Joanne York broke barriers at Williamsville North High School by joining the boys’ cross- country team in 1975, then founding the school’s first girls’ team a year later. At Canisius College, she competed in cross country and track and went on to complete several marathons and nine Ironman Triathlons, including the Kona World Championships, where she placed 20th in 2003. As a coach, she led Canisius to five MAAC women’s cross-country titles.

•    Joan Zirkelbach has completed 28 marathons, with eight finishes under 3:06. She won her age group at the Around the Bay race (2:03) and placed seventh at the Duathlon World Championships while representing Team USA.

•     Tom Courtney, an All-Catholic standout at Father Baker High School, went on to become an outstanding runner at the University of Mississippi. Courtney later served as Checkers Athletic Club president and long-time Delaware YMCA Turkey Trot race director.

•    Walt Lyons led East Aurora boys’ cross country from 1976–2000, earning 17 ECIC divisional and 10 Section VI Class B titles. He also coached the girls’ team through 2001, helping establish East Aurora’s storied running tradition.

The inductees and members of their families will be on hand for the formal induction ceremonies following the Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K on Friday, August 29, at 6:30 p.m. on Bidwell Parkway in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village.

“The Western New York Running Hall of Fame was formed to recognize the outstanding achievements of area runners, coaches, and contributors,” Bill Donnelly, board of directors president and race director, said. “These inductees certainly fit the bill and we look forward to honoring them.”

The Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5k is named for the local running icon who also served as race director for prestigious events such as the Buffalo Marathon and Delaware YMCA Turkey Trot. He was instrumental in the founding of the Western New York Running Hall of Fame.

“Our race attracts an outstanding field each year, and we hope that all runners in the Niagara Region will come to take part in what should be a great night of running,” Donnelly added. “The Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K is a race for the entire Western New York running community to enjoy. It’s a fast, flat, PR-friendly course, which has proven to be very attractive to our runners.”