ALBANY, N.Y., April 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Long before the runners and walkers cross the finish line at this year's CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge on May 21, thousands of children, families, and individuals in our region will already be winners.
With nearly 10,000 participants expected to sign up, the popular 3.5-mile road race in downtown Albany is more than just a healthy, team-building experience. It serves as a fundraiser for the selected charities of choice as well as for the race organizer, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC).
The funds raised help underwrite many of HMRRC's activities and services, including college scholarships, grants, running clinics, and the Just Run® Program, which encourages grade school children to run for exercise and fun.
One special program that has benefitted from HMRRC is Strong Through Every Mile (STEM), which empowers survivors of domestic violence through the sport of running. HMRRC's support helps STEM properly outfit the women and provides the means to enter them into races. Women who have completed the program have expressed an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
"The benefits of participating in the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge last long after race day. Thanks to the participants, HMRRC is able to bring joy to those who love the sport of running," said Mark Warner, race director. "In addition, our charities of choice not only get a financial boost from race donations, they also have the opportunity to share their missions with the public."
Race proceeds also benefit nonprofit organizations chosen by the club each year. This year, three local charities will receive funding support:
- The Brave Will Foundation, which provides services and support for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
- CEO, which creates partnerships and develops opportunities for social and economic growth and empowerment in individuals, families, and communities.
- The Food Pantries for the Capital District, a coalition of 53 food pantries in Albany, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties all working together to feed the hungry.
Participants are welcome to make a donation to any or all of the organizations when they register for the race at www.cdphpwtc.com.
The CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge is open to teams of employees of corporations, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, not-for-profit corporations, and financial institutions. It takes place on Thursday, May 21 at 6:25 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Registration is open until May 8.
Participants are encouraged to share their experiences – pre-race, day of, and post-race – on CDPHP's Facebook Event page and on Twitter and Instagram using #WorkforceChallenge.
If you would like to learn more about the fundraising aspect of the race, including this year's charities of choice, please contact Deanna Amore at (518) 641-5126.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 24 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Instagram.
About the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC)
The Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club is the Albany area's largest running organization. The club was formed in 1971 and today has more than 3,000 members who come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life, as well as different running styles and speeds. Members are united in their love of running and desire to promote and participate in quality races and running-related activities. The club organizes more than 30 running events a year at many different locations throughout the Capital District. These events offer something for everyone, novice and veteran alike.