SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Saturday, Sept. 30, Saratoga Bridges held their 23rd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge in the Saratoga Spa State Park with close to one thousand participants who ran, walked or rolled to raise over $41,000 for the agency’s essential non-funded or underfunded programs, services and activities as well as to reward their staff.
The 5K winners were Peter Maroko from Nyack and Elizabeth Predmore from Malta. The 10K winners were Ethan Carey from Queensbury and Brigid Dake from Greenfield Center.
Prizes were given to the first, second, and third finishers in each age group, according to a press release from Saratoga Bridges. Winners who missed the awards ceremony can call Saratoga Bridges at 518-587-0723, ext. 1266 to make arrangements to pick up their gift.
The event featured offerings including a Kid’s Fun Run, NET Chip Timing from Albany Running Exchange, costume contests, favorite pumpkin contest, homemade refreshments, plus donated food and beverages from Hixny, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Hannaford and DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchard.
Many “Bridges Buddies” participated in the 5K upon completing the agency’s Walking and Wheeling Program, an initiative developed by Saratoga Bridges’ Wellness Committee to pair staff and individuals in a three-week training program leading up to The Great Pumpkin Challenge, the release states.
There were teams from Regeneron, TEL and Fort Miller and Ainsley’s Angels partnered with the event. The Great Pumpkin Challenge also featured over 120 volunteers from a variety of businesses, schools, and organizations, including students from WSWHE BOCES’ Criminal Justice Program and Skidmore College’s Political Science Program, Goldman Sachs’ Community TeamWorks, MVP Health Care, Soroptimist International of Saratoga County and Saratoga Bridges’ staff, board members and friends.
