After Two Years of Virtual, Saratoga Bridges’ 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge Reclaims Spa State Park to Run, Stroll and Roll!
{{Editor’s Note: An update follows the gallery with fundraising totals and other results – AG}}
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Well, it’s nice when everything comes together, particularly after an absence that made all hearts grow fonder!
Under picture perfect skies, peak fall foliage, excitement and just plain “this is the way it should be” joy, The 22nd Annual Saratoga Bridges Great Pumpkin Challenge returned to Spa State Park after a two year hiatus on Saturday, October 15, to the delight of all.
This event featured a 5K and 10K (walk, run or roll) through the beautiful and historic scenery. The day also included a 1 Mile Fun Run for kids 12 and under. All activities began and ended at the Park’s Columbia Pavilion.
Enjoy the gallery from the lens of Jill Perkins.
Saratoga Bridges’ 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge
UPDATE: 10/21/2022 – Released from Saratoga Bridges:
The 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge Raised $35,000 to Benefit Saratoga Bridges
On Saturday, October 15, the 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge was held in the Saratoga Spa State Park with close to 1,000 participants who ran, walked or rolled to raise $35,000 for Saratoga Bridges’ non-funded or underfunded programs and services. The 5K winners were Ramon Dominguez from Saratoga Springs and Elizabeth Predmore from Ballston Lake and 10K winners – Ethan Carey from Queensbury and Dana Bush from Saratoga Springs.
For 5K results – http://www.zippyraceresults.com/search.php?ID=8661b and for 10K results – http://www.zippyraceresults.com/search.php?ID=8662. First, Second and Third prizes were given out by age group. Winners who missed the Awards Ceremony, can call Saratoga Bridges at 518-587-0723 to arrange for pick up Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The event featured NET Chip Timing from Albany Running Exchange, homemade refreshments made Saratoga Bridges’ individuals, donated food and beverages from Hixny, Uncommon Grounds, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Hannaford, DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchard, Healthy Living and Fresh Market as well as a costume contest and favorite pumpkin contest decorated by their day and residential programs. Many “Bridges Buddies” participated in the 5K upon completing the agency’s Walking and Wheeling Program. This initiative was developed by their Wellness Committee to pair staff and individuals in a 4-week training program leading up to The Great Pumpkin Challenge. Also, over 120 people volunteered from MVP Health Care, BOCES’ Criminal Justice students, Goldman Sachs’ Community TeamWorks, Saratoga Spa Catholic and Saratoga Bridges staff, board members and friends.
For people who missed out on participating in the 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge, they can still do so virtually by Friday, November 4th at www.saratogabridges.org. For $30, they will get the long-sleeve moisture wicking shirt and can use the official course – https://www.saratogabridges.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/GPC-2022-Updated-Map-for-Web.pdf through the Saratoga Spa State Park or at location of their choice.
Saratoga Bridges is exceedingly grateful to their loyal generous 2022 Season Sponsors:
Premier Sponsor: Constance & Thomas D’Ambra
Presenting Sponsor: Performance Industrial
Lead Sponsors: Adirondack Trust Company, Alera Group/Relph Benefit Advisors
Featured Sponsors: Stewart’s Shops/Dake Foundation
Associate Sponsors: Coca Cola Northeast, MVP Health Care
Friend Sponsors: County Waste & Recycling, Cudney’s Cleaners, GlobalFoundries, OneGroup, Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company, The D.A. Collins Companies
Saratoga Bridges appreciates these generous 2022 Great Pumpkin Challenge Sponsors:
Monster Sponsor: Druthers Brewing Company, Charles Schwab – Maureen Parker, Friends of J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Scholarship Fund
Vampire Sponsors: Clear View Packaging, Munter Companies, Inc., Ortho NY, Pioneer BankPumpkin Sponsors: Accounting for All CPA’s, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Bobrow, Hixny, Saratoga Today, Seeley Office Systems, Stone Industries, T-Shirt Graphics
The 12866 