Cold Runnings: February Chills Do Not Stop Joggers

by Oscar Fick

Whipping winds and frigid temperatures mean one thing to some Poughkeepsie residents: time to head to the walking bridge for a jog. Even in the heart of a particularly chilling February, you can find some locals out bundled up looking to get some exercise in.

Even 63-year-old Susan Baker makes sure to head to the bridge for some exercise at least once a week. “Ever since it opened, I have trouble staying away. It’s so pretty and wonderful for our town to have, I love being out here,” she said in her bulky black jacket and pink, knit hat. “Even when it gets chilly out, I’d prefer to work out on something like this bridge instead of trying to run through town.”

The Walkway Over the Hudson was first constructed in 1889 as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge according to the Walkway’s website. For 85 years, the bridge operated as a train bridge for both passengers and freight trains. During World War II, it was painted black in order to make it more difficult for enemies to attack.

In 1974, a fire, which the website says was likely due to a spark caused by one of the train’s breaks, left the bridge unusable. Fortunately for locals, in October 2009, the bridge was reopened as the Walkway Over the Hudson Historic Park after a brief renovation.

Now, it spans over 1.28 miles and stands at over 212 feet above the Hudson River. It also contains a 21-story, ADA-compliant elevator for those who need it. The website boasts that it has over 500,000 visitors walking, running, and riding over it throughout the year.

“I don’t think there is a better place to go for a jog in the area,” said Marist student Emily Cox. “I actually hate running but like, need to do it in order to stay in shape and stuff, so coming here makes it a little easier I guess. The cold doesn’t help, but I still think it is way better than a treadmill though.”

Marist teams are known to use the bridge as a tool for their own fitness. “I have friends on crew and track and they come up and run this for practices sometimes,” said Cox. “I think that their coaches probably think that it is more enjoyable than just running sprints or on the treadmill or something, even when it is pretty cold out.”

“I see Marist students up here all the time,” said Baker. “Even in months like February, they are out here except when it gets too windy.” The bridge is open every day from 7:00 AM until sunset, except on special occasions. There are some extreme examples for when the bridge would close, such as a windy snowstorm, but the exact parameters for closure remain unclear.

Any winter warriors out there looking for a beautiful, but chilling workout experience are welcome to head to the Walkway Over the Hudson. Maybe you will even see Baker out there running. “I just love seeing people out here even when it is cold. It’s great when I’m not the only one enjoying this unbelievable amenity in our town.”