By Pamela Fisher
The Glens Falls Lions Club, a not-for-profit organization, is hosting its inaugural Duathlon (a 5K run, a 30K Bike, followed by another 5K Run) on Sunday, October 7, at 8 am at East Field in Glens Falls. “The Race for Sight and Hearing,” offers a one-lap route winding through Glens Falls, Queensbury, and Kingsbury and finishes at East Field. Funds raised from the event enable the organization to continue its work in sight and hearing assistance and preservation.
The Glens Falls Lions Club is part of the world’s largest service club organization. Locally, they support the Association for the Hearing Impaired, the Association for the Blind, the HOBY youth leadership program and two annual Saturday Suppers at Christ Church United Methodist. The organization funds loan-out centers consisting of assistive technology, and sponsors eyeglasses and hearing aid collections throughout the region, among other projects. Recently, the Glens Falls Lions provided financial assistance to a family with an income level slightly above the amount qualifying for Medicaid assistance. The family includes a father and son who are hearing impaired, who were able to purchase hearing aids without financial distress due to the Lions’ contribution.
In recent years, the Lions have raised funds through selling concessions at community functions, “but haven’t had a signature event in many years,” reported Sandra Clark, immediate past president and duathlon team coordinator.
Clark, along with team event planners Steve Johnson and Denise LaRose, spoke with the Glens Falls Business Journal about the plans for the duathlon.
The team reported they could not hold the event without acquiring bike racks for the race. “Because of the generosity of the Glens Falls Foundation and Doty Machine,” stated Clark, “We can have the event.” The Foundation provided funding for bike rack materials, while Doty Machine donated labor for construction.
The team is also grateful to community donors who have provided “amazing raffle prizes,” stated LaRose. Prizes include a custom bike from Rick’s Bike Shop valued at $1500, a jade jewelry set created by Paula Cipperly, a week stay at Rosie’s Cabin in Lake George, and a five night stay at Walt Disney World Resorts, including four one-day park hopper passes. Raffle tickets are priced at one for $10, or three for $25. Ticket holders can select the prize(s) they hope to win.
The Lions of Saratoga Springs have hosted duathlons since 2005. The chapter is credited for providing guidance to the Glens Falls Lions during the planning process. The Glens Falls team expects many Saratoga Duathlon participants to register, and a “King Lion Trophy,” will be provided to one male and one female entrant with the lowest combined time between the Saratoga and Glens Falls races. Prizes will also be given to winners in different age categories.
Entrants can register as individual, two, or three person teams, and can include combinations of male and female participants. The Lions invite corporate teams to participate, noting that businesses and organizations serving as sponsors will get a team for free. The event also encourages nonprofit teams to challenge one another, including competition among Glens Falls Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Lions.
The Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play program also encourages area businesses to participate. The grant-funded program is located at Glens Falls Hospital and is partnered with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce to assist businesses in Warren County with fewer than 1,000 employees to develop comprehensive worksite wellness plans.
“It’s wonderful for businesses to encourage their employees to sign up for events like the Lions Club Duathlon,” stated Melissa Chinigo, Program Coordinator. “It’s a good first step. We encourage businesses to consider ways in which they can promote physical activity, healthy eating and the use of preventative health services in a routine manner. When healthy behaviors become part of the everyday culture of a worksite, we have the opportunity to begin to see real change.”
In addition to running and biking, children’s activities and concessions will be offered during the race at East Field. Entertainment and race announcements will be provided by All Around Sound Entertainment.
The planning team continues to accept sponsorships, donations and volunteers for the event. Current top sponsors include New York Relay Service, Oticon, and Rick’s Bike Shop. Additional sponsors include The Center for Better Hearing, Capital Region Ear Institute, Schoder Rivers Associates, Cochlear, Cooper’s Cave Ale, Finch Paper, and Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, among others.
For teams registered by September 22nd the cost is $50 for an individual, $80 for a two person team, and $100 for a three person or corporate team. Online registration completed by October 4th will cost $60, $90, or $115. On race day, registration will be $65, $100, or $130. For more information about the duathlon, or to register a team, visit the event’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/GlensFallsLionsDuathlon, or email gflionsduathlon@yahoo.com. A registration form can also be found on the Glens Falls Lions website at www.glensfallslions.org, or teams can register online at www.baystateevents.com/register/?11339.
For more information about the Healthy Places to Work, Live, and Play Program in Warren County, visit www.creatinghealthyplaces.wordpress.com or contact program director Erin Krivitski at 926-5919.