All in the Family: Butch Dudas

Butch Dudas

Adrenaline will be flowing throughout the start villages in Fort Wadsworth on November 6—just ask Butch Dudas. The 47-year-old, from Walkill, NY is thrilled to be participating in his second ING New York City Marathon.

Dudas, an avid cyclist, ran the race last year with Team Livestrong, “kind of on a whim,” he says. He finished in a respectable 4:31, and was instantly hooked. “I’m totally addicted to the ING New York City Marathon—I hope I can always be a part of the race, either as a runner or as a volunteer. I ran 26.2 miles with a smile on my face, and I couldn’t wait to do it again,” Dudas explains.

A big winner at ING New York City Marathon Opening Day in April, Dudas trained steadily through the spring with his ASICS gear. But in July, his brother died—forcing him to focus on family, and put running on the back burner. In the process, Dudas gained a valuable asset for any athlete: a running partner. His son, who’s 22, signed up to run the race on behalf of Autism Speaks, and the pair plan to run together on November 6. “We’ve kind of thrown the watch out the window,” says Dudas, “so we’re just going to soak up the experience, and try to cross the finish line with a smile.”

From there, they’ll meet up with the rest of the family for a celebratory dinner. Dudas is as excited for the post-finish festivities as he is for the race itself. “I’m really, really looking forward to some great New York City pizza—and a beer!”