The Nyack College Running Warrior 5K Race & 3K Walk takes place on the Rockland County campus during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 13. This long-standing tradition, which benefits the College’s cross country teams, has been successfully managed by Athletic Department coaches in the past.
Today the event’s rise in popularity can be credited to the phenomenal work of College Relations Manager of Special Events Nancy Gates (pictured above in green jacket). Under her administration of “the Running Warrior,” it is now USA Track & Field (USATF)-certified and professionally timed by the three-decade-old company, CompuScore.
Runners and walkers (parents with babies in tow, too) are welcome to check in between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM in the Moseley Parking Lot before the pre-race ceremony. The race starts at 9:00 AM and an awards ceremony is held at 10AM.
Demonstrating its advocacy of health and wellness, Nyack’s Office of Human Resources has covered the entry fee for faculty and staff. Not only do members of the campus community participate, but the Running Warrior attracts local residents and area running clubs, a response that strengthens community relations between the College and its neighbors. “Every year when that horn goes off, I’m just thrilled,” Nancy says. “I really love the sport, the kind of community it builds and the opportunities for personal improvement it brings. There’s a place for everyone: strong or weak, young or old, veteran or newbie, male or female. It’s very inclusive.”
While registration fee proceeds have primarily gone to the cross country team, Nyack’s scholar-athletes have often donated funds to a specific cause. “One year they donated the proceeds to a softball player’s father who was suffering from ALS,” Nancy explains. “Another year they featured Soles4Souls and collected shoes to start micro-businesses in Haiti.”
It’s not unusual that the Running Warrior, among the many events that Mrs. Gates coordinates, is one near and dear to heart. “Three sons have run competitively in high school and/or college and the other kids have joined us for community races.” She continues, “After watching them for years, my husband and I decided to give it a try. We celebrated my 50th birthday by running our first half marathon.”
Think the pace might be too much for you? Keep this wisdom from Nancy Gates in mind: “There’s never really a good reason not to start moving. Start with walking and just walk five minutes longer the next day. If you can run 500 ft., just try to run 520 feet the next day.”
Register online and get more details about the course, fees and the award categories.