Training season has begun for the annual Delightful® Run for Women, with Siena signed on as a community partner to help runners achieve their personal best.
A kick-off press conference for this nationally-recognized 5K was held January 28 in the MAC lobby, featuring President Chuck Seifert, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan (above, middle), and Run for Women race organizers. (See Times Union coverage here.)
"We believe that fostering collaboration and engagement with our local community is essential to our mission," said Seifert. “We are especially pleased to offer our campus as a training meet-up site for The Run for Women, which has long been one of the most meaningful and inspiring annual events in the Capital Region. We look forward to the positive impact the Run will have, and we're proud to be a part of it."
The Run for Women (formerly known as the Freihofer’s run) will step off in downtown Albany on Saturday, May 31, and includes the featured 5K, which attracts thousands of elite and amateur runners from around the country, as well as a kids’ fun run and the Capital Kids 3K. Siena is one of several Training Challenge partners in the community, and will offer the campus as a meet-up location for practice runs once a week starting in March.
Members of the Siena women’s cross-country team and Coach Elizabeth DeBole were also on hand to support the training program and the run itself, which features several Siena runners each year.
“This is such a great event and I am thrilled the Siena community can be part of it,” said DeBole. “Women-only races are few and far between and I encourage everyone to sign up and participate. It’s a chance to challenge yourself and prove you can do something hard and outside your comfort zone!”
Kristen Hislop, event director for the Run for Women, said they welcome a significant number of high school and college runners each year.
Registration for the 5K is now open, with a special discount for members of the Siena community. Enter the code SIENA25 for $5 off when signing up here.
This Training Challenge, according to Hislop, “empowers participants to prepare for race day in their own way,” offering options to run, utilize walk/run intervals, or walk. Participants can choose between in-person and virtual options, which cost $55 and include a custom performance shirt, dedicated training sessions with coaches, and a network of supportive training buddies.
All participants in the Run for Women 5K will receive a commemorative performance shirt and other race swag.