Wappinger Town & Veterans Advisory Group Host 4th Annual Joseph Ennesser Veterans 5K Race on April 13, 2024

The Town of Wappinger and the Wappinger Veterans Advisory Group is proud to announce that registration is now open for the 4^th annual Joseph Ennesser Veterans 5K Walk/Run on the William R. Steinhaus – Dutchess Rail Trail on April 13, 2024.

People have been walking every day, sunshine or snow. So the Dutchess Rail Trail has been in use all year long. We hope to bring together our community to enjoy the warmer weather. Dedicated to helping veterans, the Wappinger Veterans Advisory is co-hosting this event with the Town of Wappinger. Similar to last year, the race will be for the serious runners, the walkers, the casual runners, the kids, the family to bask in the sunshine, and raise money for local veterans issues. The Wappinger Veterans Advisory Group seeks out those vets who have a need, but aren’t always very vocal about it.

Wappinger Veterans Advisory President Kevin Hathorn said “We will muster the support troops and work things out. We can work with every organization in the county.”

About the Wappinger Veteran’s Advisory Committee:
The Wappinger Veteran’s Advisory Committee is a not-for profit organization. Its purpose is to beautify veteran’s monuments and enable Town Residents to honor family members with banners and memorial pavers. There will be events throughout the Town to remember and celebrate with veterans and their families. All funds over and above operating costs will be donated to local organizations that aid veterans in need.

Race Description

We are inviting you to join us in supporting veteran causes by running or walking in a live, in-person race at 8:00AM.

Benefiting Veterans Causes In Partnership With The Town of Wappinger

Some of the groups the Wappinger Veterans Advisory fundraising programs benefit include: Castle Point groups, veteran mothers-to-be, veteran women in need, and homeless and distressed male and female veterans. Funding is also needed for the Dutchess County Veteran’s Organization who frequently fields calls, and the Dutchess Community College veteran’s care leader who handles help requests.

Registrants will receive a custom t-shirt! (T-shirts not guaranteed for registrations after 4/5/2024)!

Packet Pick-Up

April 12, 2024 – 5 pm to 8 pm at Wappinger Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Race Time, Date, & Location

April 13th – Check in – 7:00am
April 13th – Race Begins – 8:00am

Van Wyck Trail Parking
Van Wyck Ln
Wappingers Falls, NY US 12590

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Race Contact Info

Click here to submit a question through an online form

Joe Ennesser had a love for the Town of Wappinger and devotion to its youth. As one of Wappinger’s most dedicated volunteers, Joe was a caring and active resident for close to 50 years. Not only was Joe past president of the Town of Wappinger Little League, Joe coached for close to 20 years. He was instrumental in beginning the Girls’ Softball program and the Big League in the 70’s. He was a proud part of the league when the boys brought home a New York State Championship in 1970.

Joe spent many years giving back to his community as a long-time sports and recreation volunteer. He dedicated countless hours to the Town’s Recreation Committee and was the chair of the Wappinger Greenway Committee. Passionate about the Wappinger Greenway Trail, Joe worked tirelessly to secure dozens of grants to connect the historic and scenic aspects of the Village of Wappingers Falls, Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park, and New Hamburg and Chelsea hamlets.

Joe was a co-founder of the Sports Museum of Dutchess County and was inducted into the Museum’s Hall of Fame in 1985 for his work to expand the Town of Wappinger’s recreation programs. He also worked with Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts candidates on many projects that benefitted town parks. In addition to his countless hours of volunteer work, his hobbies included boating and fishing. He was at home on the water.

For all that Joe did, and for the truly good man that he was, this race is named in his honor.