Memorial run to take place Saturday
LANSINGBURGH, N.Y. » The streets around the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club and Forty- One Sports Bar & Grille on 112th Street are expected to be filled with hundreds of runners on Saturday for the club’s 3rd annual Joseph G. Manupella Memorial Run.
The 5K run/walk and block party fundraiser in North Troy will benefit the programs at the club, while paying tribute to its longtime leader.
The Joseph G. Manupella Memorial Run is in honor of the man who was born and raised in Lansingburgh and spent more than 40 years as executive director of the neighborhood’s Boys & Girls Club – his son, Michael, is now the club’s leader.
The Memorial Run kicks off Saturday, April 28 at 9 a.m. with a one-mile walk, followed by a certified 5K run/walk starting at 9:30 a.m. The race, certified by USA Track & Field, begins and ends at the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club, located at 501 4th Ave.
“We’re still excited to honor [my grandpa Joe] and we are still doing exactly what he would want for the communities, which was providing a safe place for kids to learn and grow,” said Nicole Manupella, who is part of the club’s race committee.
Organizers said that there will be an award ceremony and block party outside of Forty- One Sports Bar & Grille on 112th street immediately following the race. The 5K male and female winners will be the first to receive the Joseph G. Manupella Memorial awards.
“Our committee for the race
consists of a few of my family members and a lot of young people in the community as well as some of the board members for the club and it’s really exciting because year after year, we’ve had more young people reaching out to see how they can contribute and get involved,” said Manupella, who noted that they hope to raise close to $25,000 like they did in year one of the race. “In addition to this great cause, it’s also inspiring people to get involved and give back in any way that they can and I think that’s really important.”
At approximately 3:00 p.m., Troy’s legendary super group Emerald City band will rock the main stage on 112th street with The Matt Mirabile Band immediately following. Family fun for all ages will be provided and food and drinks will be available.
Registration to enter the 5k walk/run is $30 and $20 for the 1-mile walk.. All current club members will be able to register for the race free of charge at the LBGC. Walkers and runners of all ages and experience levels are welcome to join. All participants will receive a race t-shirt.
To register for the race in advance visit the club’s website at http://www.lbgcfundraisers.org/, although organizers did also note that people can register the day of the race as well.
Admission to the block party is free, though donations to the LBGC are appreciated and encouraged.