Family and foot races drew marathon's savior to Goshen

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — Meet Doug Haines, the Goshen newcomer who agreed to take over as race director of the struggling Hambletonian Marathon and Good Time Trotters Relay, even before he got all moved in.
Haines, a software developer, is originally from the Philadelphia area and lived for the past ten-years outside Washington, D.C. His wife, Caitlin Kehoe, is from Goshen and wants to raise their one-year-old daughter, Lillian, closer to family. In fact, Lillian was named after her grandmother Lillian Kehoe.
The full 26.2-mile marathon began in Goshen in 2013 through the efforts of the original organizers, Kathleen Rifken, Ron Dickover, and Rich D’Ambrosio. It drew Haines, a long-distance runner, to Goshen. He not only raced in the marathon's second year, but he won the race.
“Then when we moved here, we heard the race was cancelled," he said. "I asked my wife, ‘What can we do to help?’ We came up with this idea. I called Mayor Kyle Roddey and offered my support. I didn’t want to see the race cancelled as it’s become an integral part of the community."
He wants the community to see the direct economic impact it can have on the area.
“When it comes to the marathon, a lot of people only see the impact of the roads being closed," he said. "I want them to see the positive impact participants, their families, and friends have. They need food, a place to shower, have their morning coffee, gas."
He expressed appreciation for the event's strong foundation.
“Kathleen, Rob and Rich are well-regarded, offered good runner support, gotten rave reviews due to their hard work," said Haines. "I’m glad they’ve offered to help me in the future."
He knows the success of the race depends on its volunteers, who assist in so many ways.
“Without volunteers from the community, the race can’t go on,” he said.
Spectators are important too, and bring something special to the race, he said.
“The support of the community coming out to watch the race means a lot to runners," he said. "Cheering them on is motivation to them. They’ll continue on, continue pushing when the body says ‘no.'"
Heaven and purgatoryThe event was scheduled for October to take advantage of the Hudson Valley's captivating fall foliage.
“Mid-October is a peak time," Haines said. "It’s when the leaves are changing, giving a sense of the end of summer and a transition into the true beauty of the area.”
The course, which passes through the charming country of the Goshen area, is challenging. Haines compares it to the Boston Marathon.
“They have Newton Hill and Heartbreak Hill," he said. "We have Purgatory Hill. When you reach that spot, you know the end is near.”
But the marathon isn’t just a race, he said. It's a charity, too. Proceeds are donated to the local food pantry, toward extending and improving the Heritage Trail, and other causes.
“It takes many days of hard work to organize this race, but it’s worth it,” Haines said.
Nonrunners who would like to help make the Hambletonain Marathon a success through donations and sponsorships may visit hambletonianmarathon.com. For general information email info@hambletonianmarathon.com or reach out to Haines directly at douglas.w.haines@gmail.com.