YMCA to Host Fall Classic Races

by Nathan Lasher

The Armstrong County YMCA is preparing for a Fall Classic 10K Race 5K Run/Walk which will be held November 13.

According to Operations Director Joely Beeker, the organization has had these races in the past. However, this year things will be done a little bit differently.

This year, we changed our start/finish line,” said Beeker. “We used to start right out here on Water Street in front of the YMCA, but this year we are starting on Rails to Trails at mile marker 45. There’s a pavilion right there at the corners of Chestnut and Grant streets. We did it instead of trying to close down Water Street. That traffic coming over the bridge was always backed-up when we started the race. We decided to keep everything on the Rails to Trails for safety reasons. ”

Beeker was concerned that a small bit of confusion may result from the change.

“So many people have participated in our races in the past, and they’re used to coming down to the Y and registering that morning,” said Beeker. “This year, everything will take place at the pavilion; the t-shirts, snacks, water, and registration table will all be there.”

According to Youth and Family Coordinator Bethany Riggle, the pre-registration deadline is Wednesday, October 27. Runners can register up until the day of the race. However, after pre-registration there is no guarantee of a t-shirt. Along with the 5K and 10K races, the YMCA will also be hosting a Kids’ Race which it began last year.

“People enjoy the races very much,” said Beeker. “They love the course; it’s flat and fast. We get quite a few runners with good feedback, and we had quite a few kids do the Kids’ Race last year. So, we were happy with that.”

Non-runners may be attracted to the events on November 13 also because that will be the day that the YMCA finally draws the winning ticket for their Dodge Challenger SRT8 that they have been raffling.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Beeker. “We hope everybody likes the idea of it being on Rails to Trails. Also, The First Church of God has let us use the back side of their parking lot for some parking which is an issue at the Y. We’re hoping that, in itself, is helpful to the participants.”

All proceeds from the race and the raffle will benefit the YMCA.

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1 Comment

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  By ToddAshbaugh, October 26, 2010 @ 11:24 AM

  Not sure the advantages of the change in the venue outweigh the possible issues that could occur. Many people need to use the restroom right before a race begins and the proper facilities may not be available in the pavilion area. Also, many children will be participating in either the 5K or the Kids Race and there is a significant chance of having very cold weather that day. Having a building to use at the start and finish alleviates those kinds of problems. Maybe these issues have been addressed by the race director and didn’t make it into this article but I think the move away from the building could cause more problems than shutting down Water Street for a couple of hours.

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