The Western New York Running Hall of Fame recently announced its tenth class, bringing the total number of inductees to 41. This year’s inductees include:
Allison Carr, an eight-time Buffalo News Runner of the Year, who has won more than 150 races, including the 2003 Turkey Trot and 2004 Shamrock Run.
John Grandits, who has been a fixture in the Western New York running community for decades as a race director, course certifier, traffic coordinator, advisor, and problem-solver.
Bill Maloney, who won the Shamrock Run in 1982, the Subaru Four-Mile Chase in 1984, the Connors-Kait-Harrity Four-Miler in 1985, and the Cole’s Run in 1985. In 1986 and 1988, he finished second in the Buffalo News Runner of the Year to David O’Keefe.
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 2, 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 three 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 also president of Checkers Athletic Club and was instrumental in the founding of the Western New York Running Hall of Fame.
A USATF Championship Event
USA Track & Field recently announced that the Tom Donnelly Hall of Fame 5K will again serve as the host for the 2022 USATF Niagara Association Open and Masters 5k championship. The Open and Masters 5-kilometer championships will be run concurrently at the Hall of Fame race.
“We’re proud to be selected as the host race for this prestigious event,” Donnelly said. “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. 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.”
About the WNY Running Hall of Fame
For information about the Western New York Running Hall of Fame and its 5K event, visit wnyrunninghof.com.
HOW DO YOU GET TOO MAKE THE W.N.Y.H.O.F. I WON MANY RACES IN THE EARLY 1980’S- 85. X-COUNTRY TRACK & ROAD RACES
Go to the website, wnyrunninghof.com. You will find instructions on how to send in a nomination. One bit of advice – the more information, the better your chances.
Maybe some day? Tom Courtney