Lions race in support of community on Sept. 3

WARWICK — All are invited to join in a morning of health family fun at the Warwick Lions 16th Annual Labor Day 5K Race, Fitness Walk and Kids Fun Run. The race will take place on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, at the Warwick Middle School, West Street Extension, Warwick. Participant involvement will benefit community efforts in supporting the Lions Quest Program. This year, the Lions Club has named the race in honor of former race director Carol McManus, who lost a battle to pancreatic cancer in the spring of last year. She was the driving force behind this race and the Warwick Lions Club. Lion’s Quest is an international education program that stresses the development of life skills such as critical thinking, multicultural understanding, teamwork, personal accountability, integrity, conflict resolution and resistance to substance abuse. More information is available at www.lionsquest.org. Over the years, the Warwick Lions have contributed more than $95,000 through grants and proceeds from the 5K Race. Each year, funds are needed to continue training incoming teachers and for the purchase of new workbooks and other related materials. The morning of the race events will begin with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. The race and walk will begin at 9 a.m. and the Kids Fun Run will follow. The course is a country setting, closed to traffic and the most beautiful in Orange County. It is moderately difficult with some rolling hills and is certified by the Orange Runners Club. There will be music in three places to keep the runners motivated. Ryan Kirkpatrick, of Cornwall (14:31), and Aislinn Ryan, of Warwick (16:49), currently hold the course records. The walker’s course records are held by Dave McGovern, of Mobile, Ala. (22:02), and Erika Reed, of Goshen (27:11). Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. Commemorative ribbons will be given to all Kids Fun Run participants. In addition, a number of door prizes donated by Warwick’s merchants will be awarded. Sponsors include: Provident Bank, Kennedy Companies, Warwick Eye Care Center, Devon Woods Senior Center, St. Anthony Community Hospital, Elmer Platz Physical Therapy, The Durland Agencies, Sanford Insurance, Sneakers to Boots, Lehman & Getz, Nytko Electric, Warwick Grove, ERS Consultants, Akin’s Warwick Valley Teachers Association, Sports Fitness & Fun, Warwick Valley Council of PTS’s and ShopRite. Pre-registration is $17 and registration prior to Tuesday, Aug. 21, is encouraged. Race day registration is $20 and $3 for the Fun Run. Online registration is now available at www.active.com. For an application or more information, call Jack Ellis at 986-1405, George McManus at 986-3054, e-mail mcmanus@warwick.net or log on to www.warwicklionsclub.org.