The warm weather is beginning to wane, putting a cap on the outdoor activities this year, but one event still looms on the horizon that promises fun and fitness for the whole family,
This year marks the 12th annual Crossings 5K Challenge and Kids Run, held Sunday, Sept. 27, in The Crossings of Colonie at the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center, 30 Aviation Road in Colonie. For the first time, the Colonie Youth Center (CYC) will co-host the event with the CAP COM Federal Credit Union.
Funds from the day will be split between the Colonie Youth Center’s Scholarship Assistance Program and the CAP COM Cares Foundation.
The CYC’s scholarship helps make its community programs, school-age childcare and counseling services available to all families. Meanwhile, CAP COM Cares Foundation is a charitable foundation to help the community with health and wellness programs, educational initiatives and services to support children and families in need.
“This is our first time really partnering on a 5K initiative,” said Amanda Goyer, CAP COM Foundation and public relations administrator. The CYC was “looking for a way to make the race bigger and better than ever before,” she said.
Barbara Boodram, director of development at the CC, said the race has allowed the CYC to help dozens of families over the last decade its been held, and the CYC was glad to be able to partner with CAP COM.
Since CAP COM and the CYC have partnered before, Goyer said it was a “no brainer” for the two organizations to come together for the Crossings 5K Challenge and Kids Run, especially since the two support health and wellness initiatives. She said the added race partner should allow more of the community to be involved.
Anywhere from 500 to 600 runners are expected, according to Boodram. In addition, over 200 kids are expected to turn up to enjoy the Kids Fun Zone and two Kids Runs
The Kids Runs will start around 10:45 a.m. Children through age 13 can register for either a free one-fourth mile run or a competitive 1-mile timed run for a $10 entry fee. Children registered for the 1-mile run will get a free short-sleeve event t-shirt while supplies last. Additional t-shirts will be available with a $10 donation while supplies last.
As well, every child who registers for either run will be entered into a drawing to win a pool party for up to 20 guests at the Ciccotti Center.
“It’s a great time for everyone to just kind of come out, to celebrate exercising, walking and enjoying the day,” said Boodram.
In the Kids Fun Zone, open at 9 a.m., children can find ice cream compliments of CAP COM, hair chalking and face painting from Fantastic Sam’s of Colonie, Healthy Zone Cruiser games with Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, and life-size bowling, along with other activities, with the CYC childcare staff.
In addition, for the first time children can have make-and-take snacks compliments of Honest Weight Food Co-Op.
Registered participants for 5K run can expect coffee, food and refreshments compliments of Professor Java’s, Coca-Cola Refreshments and BJ’s Wholesale Club, one of the event’s sponsors.
The Ciccotti Center staff will offer pre- and post-run massages, with trainers on hand for private stretching sessions. Colonie EMS will be there providing first aid and hands-free CPR demonstrations.
Online registration for the event is open. The 5K entry fee is $22 until noon on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and $25 afterward until race day. The first 300 registered are guaranteed a long-sleeved dri-fit event shirt.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. the day of the race. The 5K walk/run starts at 10 a.m. with awards to follow.
Sponsors who helped make the event possible include, at the Winning Team Level, Sage Computer Associates; Mel Carr Electric, Corp.; CBRE-Albany; Law Firm of Alex Dell, PLLC; KERR deVoe PC Law Firm; East Commerce Solutions; Lecce Arcodia Law Firm; Turner Construction Company; and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Sponsors at the Presenting Level include Cornerstone Advisors, Inc.; Colonie Landfill; iHeart Media; NY Press & Graphics; and Spotlight News.
For information on the event or to register, go to www.capcomfcu.org/5K.
