Club keeps members on the right track

The farthest Riverdalian Kevin Shelton-Smith ever ran was 148 miles, from Birmingham, England to London. It was so hard, he said, that during the race he passed out, falling off the trail and into a boat floating in the canal along the route. 

A member and treasurer of the Van Cortlandt Track Club, Mr. Shelton-Smith has participated in countless competitions. Like many of the club’s members, he uses the running group, which meets about three times a week, to stay in shape, learn new workouts, socialize, have fun and, of course, to participate in races. 

But on Sunday, Mr. Shelton-Smith and other members ran to help with one of the oldest road races in the Bronx. The 33rd annual Riverdale Ramble, a 10-kilometer run held by the VCTC, began at IN-Tech Academy, MS/HS 368 and wound through the hilly streets of Riverdale. It required the help of about 30 track club members, who were asked to sit out the race to volunteer.

Members gave out water, directed runners, registered participants and kept track of runners’ times. 

A few VCTC members, however, did run and one, 26-year-old Bobby Asher, even won it, finishing the race in 35 minutes and 20 seconds. 

“We call it the Riverdale Ramble but it’s not exactly a walk in the park,” race co-director and Riverdale resident Kate Donovan said of the run. 

The route included climbing the Kappock Street hill near IN-Tech and running along Palisade Avenue, down Sycamore Avenue to West 254th Street and doubling back.  

“It’s ridiculously hilly, even driving it is tough,” said coach Ken Rolston, who spent Sunday morning posting mile markers and assigning course marshals and time keepers at various points along the race. 

Ms. Donovan joined the VCTC in 2004 after running the Ramble. She said the running group, which was founded in 1977 and has more than 150 members, has helped her through some of her toughest times.