Running Hall picks Class of 2026

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:

• Linda (Rogers) Haas built an extraordinary running career spanning decades, becoming an All-American at Erie Community College and Fort Hays State University while maintaining exceptional academic success. She set multiple school records, earned Erie Community College’s Hall of Fame recognition, and was a member of the world-record Lockport 100-mile relay team whose mark (7:27:55.6) still stands today.

• Aileen Hoak(-Lange) has been one of Western New York’s premier female distance runners for nearly two decades, excelling from high school through collegiate and post-collegiate competition. A multiple-time winner of Buffalo’s top road races, she ran a 2:50 Boston Marathon and consistently competed among the region’s elite runners.

• Ray Appenheimer was one of the most accomplished distance runners in Colgate University history, earning five All-American honors and twice being named Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year. A national champion in cross country and U.S. indoor track, he represented Team USA internationally before building a successful two-decade coaching career at Oberlin College.

• Matt Glynn was among Western New York’s dominant road racers of the 2000s, highlighted by winning the Buffalo News Runner of the Year award in 2005. A consistent standout at major marathons, he posted a 2:30:43 marathon best, excelled at Boston and New York City, and recorded several local victories.

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, September 4 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.