What started as a chat over coffee is expected to draw hundreds of runners to Malta this weekend.
The Malta Business and Professional Association 5K is now in its third year and has grown to include a parade and expo. This year’s event will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Luther Forest Tech Park.
The event is largely the brainchild of Paul Loomis, who a few years ago was chatting with a fellow runner about the lack of a race in Malta.
“There were no races in town and we had this beautiful tech park… so we got one going. The first year was a modest race with around 175people,” said Loomis, who is a board member for the Malta Business and Professional Association.
Last year brought 400 runners and 500 are anticipated for this year. All of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Saratoga Rural Preservation Council, a nonprofit organization operating shelters for homeless veterans. Last year’s proceeds of around $9,000 were split between the Round Lake and Malta Ridge fire departments and Malta Ambulance.
“We wanted to give back to the vets and first responders,” said Loomis. “They may use the money to rehab the roof at the shelter. They’re completely overwhelmed (with needs).”
He added up to 20 veterans would volunteer their time at the event. The Saratoga Rural Preservation Council sets as its mission “to improve the lives of veterans and others in the community at large.” They also help veterans with other issues not addressed by other agencies.
As the Malta area has grown, so has the race. Now, corporate sponsorship plays a large role, and the 5K offers the area’s new companies an opportunity to get out into the community.
“It’s cool to see friends getting together. Gilbane has about 25runners registered and GobalFoundries has about 150 – it’s just great,” said Loomis.
In addition to the race there is also a Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Day and Parade sponsored by the Town of Malta stepping off at 10 a.m. near the Community Center and following a route of one mile along Route 9. The parade is held in part to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11.
Following the 5K, the Malts Expo 2012 will be held. Sponsored by Hudson Valley Community College’s TEC-SMART campus and NYSERDA, it will be the second year area vendors, organizations and educational institutions are showcased. Fifty are expected.
“Last year was a huge success … it’s a full day and a way of linking the college to the community,” said Malta Town Supervisor Paul Sausville. “Hopefully it will be building every year as more community events (are developed).”
Loomis said as far as the run itself, previous years have seen walkers, parents with strollers and kids walking the route, making it a family event along with the parade and expo.
“And seeing that GlobalFoundries is actually back there and tied with the Malta Expo is pretty cool,” he said. “It’s another race to show the Tech Park and that Malta is open for business.”
For more information on the 5K race or to register, visit maltabpa.com/malta5k.Pre-registration is $20, and day of race is $25. Registration opens at 7:30a.m. on the day of the race (Saturday, Sept. 8), and the race steps off at 8:30a.m. TEC-SMART is located at 345 Hermes Road, Malta.