Sunday, April 08, 2012
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Adventurous Saratoga County and Capital Region residents are in for a treat.
On May 19, the Prevention Council will host the inaugural Tuff eNuff Challenge on the properties of BOCES on Henning Road and New York Racing Association land adjacent to the Oklahoma track.
But this is not your average 5K run. Designed for families and athletes alike, it’s a fun, muddy obstacle course that includes grubby ditches, balance beams, life-size spider webs and a slip-and-slide finish line. All proceeds support the Prevention Council.
Similar to the lives of the youth and families the Prevention Council serves, there will be a variety of challenges that will stand in the way of reaching the finish line. Participants will crawl, jump and navigate their way to victory. There also will be food vendors and a bounce house for young spectators.
“Now more than ever, we need the support of the Saratoga County youth and families we serve,” Executive Director Heather Kisselback said.
There will be two courses for the event. The full 5K will begin on the NYRA Lowlands, cross Henning Road to the BOCES campus and then double back onto the NYRA Lowlands. The 1-mile kids course will involve only the portion of the course on NYRA property. Either way, participants can expect maximum fun.
Cost for the 5K is $25 until April 15, $30 between April 16 and May 18, and $40 on race day ($25 for teens with high school ID). Cost for the kids course is $10.
There will be prizes for the top three fastest men, top three fastest women and three best costumes. All youths who participate will receive a prize, too.
For a description of the obstacles, a course map and information on how to register, go to www.preventioncouncil.org/tuffenuffchallenge.
“But this event is only partly about raising funding, which has dwindled significantly over the past few years. It’s also about providing a venue where families can have fun together.”