Route 20 Road Challenge Promotes Fitness, Fun

Although the season is nearly half over, you still have plenty of chances left to participate in the 2012 Route 20 Road Challenge.

This year, the group is promoting 20 community based walk/run events, the most since the program began 13 years ago. This year welcomes six new races to the schedule, including upcoming events in Duanesburg, Fabius and Cazenovia.

Communities throughout the area are participating, and there are still many  local options available for both avid and amateur runners.

And for those who don't want to run 5 kilometers? Many of the upcoming races also feature walking groups and one mile fun runs.

As an added incentive, the Route 20 Road Challenge is giving away free performance shirts to anyone who participates in at least 10 of the 20 events. Just fill out your race card and send it in once you finish your tenth race.

This year's Road Challenge is sponsored by Chobani Yogurt and it's Shepherd's Gift Foundation, which provides 10 percent of the company's annual profits to charitable causes.

For a list of upcoming races, see below. For more information regarding individual events, click here.

August 4: MadCoW 5k Walk Run (Nelson)

August 11: Ruth Allen Memorial 4 Mile Run and Fun Walk (Deansboro)

August 18: Landis Arboretum 5k (Esperance)

August 25: 4th Annual DACC Triathlon (Duanesburg)

September 15: Mary Cleary Memorial 5k Run/Walk (Waterville)

September 23: The Bread Run for Schools 5k Run & Half Marathon (Fabius)

September 29: Madison Hall 5k Run/Walk (Morrisville)

October 13: CNS Waddle Toddle 5k Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Run (Hamilton)

October 14: Cazenovia CROP 5k Run/Walk (Cazenovia)

October 20: Eaton 5k Run/Walk (Eaton)

October 28: Coop Loop 5k Run/Walk (Cooperstown)