Pace Setter : January 2026

Nick Demos steps down as VP of Running Events

The Vice President of Running Events for HMRRC 

By Nick Demos

 

After serving as HMRRC's Vice President of Running Events for the past four years, Nick Demos is stepping down and passing the baton to Casey Vincelette. We asked Nick to share his insights about the role and his experiences during his time as VP of Running Events.

What does the Vice President of Running Events do?
The Vice President of Running Events is responsible for securing SUNY and NYS OGS permits for races on the SUNY and Harriman campuses, creating HMRRC's yearly race schedule, publishing the annual race brochure,  reporting on race status at monthly HMRRC board meetings, and addressing inquiries and concerns from HMRRC members or the community as they come up. 

What does a typical year look like?
Planning begins each summer with a meeting of all HMRRC race directors, who are considered the make up of the Race Committee. Using the previous year as a template, I draft a tentative schedule, check for holiday conflicts and other major races, and then confirm each race director's availability to continue directing their race.

How big is the Race Committee?
The Race Committee includes 15 members. These 15 members each serve as a race director for one of the Club's events.

What skills are most important?
Organization—and overcoming procrastination. Even if you struggle with these, you can still be successful. The Club leadership is very supportive (and forgiving!).

What was your biggest challenge?
The weight of responsibility was the biggest challenge. But the Race Committee's experience and willingness to help made the job far less daunting.

What was the most rewarding aspect?
Problem-solving was the most satisfying part. For example, early on, I received numerous comments from runners about the lack of uniformity of the distances for the short-course races in the Winter Series, which ranged from 3 miles to 3.75 miles. I was able to standardize the Winter Series short-course distance, spending days biking around SUNY and Harriman to map out a safe, consistent 3-mile route. As a civil engineer, I found this project to be both fun and rewarding.

Can you describe a behind-the-scenes detail that runners may not have known:
There are countless behind-the-scenes details! However, a recent important detail involved the use of the SUNY Campus. When CDTA introduced the Purple Line bus route through SUNY, permits required HMRRC races to use the sidewalks instead of the roads, which we've been using for years. Most runners found running on the sidewalks a nuisance, and many resisted, but may not have realized that our ability to host races on the SUNY Campus depended on it.

How do you handle feedback?
A significant part of the job involves addressing questions or complaints from HMRRC members, as well as non-member race participants and community members who are affected by our races. I direct race-specific feedback to individual directors, broader issues to the committee, and club-level concerns to the Board. We take all requests seriously and strive to respond quickly and clearly.

How did you get involved:
My first role with HMRRC was as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Workforce Team Challenge, a role I continue to do. About five years ago, a Board member approached me and asked me to take on the role of the Vice President of Running Events. I said 'yes'. I've always gravitated toward leadership positions and don't often stay on the sidelines.

What was most surprising to you in accomplishing your role? 
From the organizer's perspective, an event can feel like a disaster—mistakes, forgotten details, last-minute stress. But from the participants' view, everything seems smooth. I often received glowing compliments for events I thought could have gone much better.

What are your hopes for the future of HMRRC?
I'd like to see more volunteers step into leadership roles. New people will find themselves welcomed and supported by our great core group.

What is your advice for the next Vice President of Running Events?
There's always work to do, and sometimes you'll drop the ball. Stay positive, pick yourself back up, and remember that everyone values your efforts. The camaraderie and friendships you will build make the job deeply rewarding.

Any final reflections on your tenure? It's a love/hate job. The responsibilities can feel heavy, but the satisfaction of seeing races succeed, and the friendships I've made, has made it a truly rewarding experience.