47th annual Lake Placid Classic supports local youth organizations
LAKE PLACID – Adirondack Health’s 47th annual Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon and 10K will run on Saturday, Oct. 7.
As the event grows in both participation and popularity, the Lake Placid Classic maintains the objective of supporting local youth organizations, businesses and the health of the community. The majority of the proceeds are donated directly to local youth organizations and community efforts.
The Lake Placid Classic has raised nearly $30,000 for local youth organizations over the past five years. Race organizers are proud to partner with Lake Placid/Wilmington Connecting Youth and Communities (CYC) again this year. CYC is a nonprofit youth development organization made up of local community leaders, youth, parents and business partners. Their mission is to promote positive youth development and provide information, resources and support to parents and teens. An additional beneficiary of the Lake Placid Classic is the Fit for Life scholarship fund, which provides financial support for patient participation in Adirondack Health’s supervised exercise program.
Drawing runners from across the United States and Canada, 520 athletes registered for last year’s race. More than 50 volunteers – mostly local students – staff aid stations and the start and finish areas. Support from the community remains strong, with 19 businesses involved in the event, including primary sponsors Adirondack Health, the Fallen Arch and Serenity Packing.
The Lake Placid Classic course will return to its classic route this year, now that bridge construction on Route 73 is complete. Building upon last year’s growth, 600 participants are expected to challenge the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) or the 10K (6.2 miles).
“We are proud to carry on this classic race for the 47th year,” said Rick Preston, lead event organizer and director of rehabilitation and sports medicine at Adirondack Health. “The Lake Placid Classic continues to have a positive influence on the entire community, benefiting our most valued resource – our youth. It’s great to have area businesses and volunteers all working together to make this event a success. As one of the only not-for-profit, totally volunteer-driven running events in the area, it really is a special day each fall.”
Visit www.LakePlacidClassic.com to learn more or register for this year’s event. Both the Half Marathon and the 10K races kick off at 9 a.m. in front of the Olympic Oval, and finish at the North Elba Horse Show Grounds.
