Run for Women has new sponsor

COLONIE — The name is changing. The cookies are staying.

The Freihofer’s Run for Women is being renamed the Delightful Run for Women, organizers of the annual 5-kilometer road race in Albany announced Wednesday.

Named after Freifhofer’s Baking Company since 1980, the Run for Women is changing its title sponsor to Sara Lee Delightful Bread, which organizers said will give the race more national exposure.

“Our virtual run, you may know, we’ve kept since COVID, it really draws people from around the country,” race director Kristen Hislop said. “Coupling that with the fact that a lot of our participants in person are from outside the Freihofer market, we’re super excited that we’ll now be sponsored by Delightful Bread.”

Freihofer’s and Sara Lee are both owned by Bimbo Bakeries USA.

“Sara Lee is a national bakery brand that not only will allow more (recognition) of the race, but it also gives the people participating more access to the product,” Bimbo Bakeries USA sales center leader Vanessa Darling said.

The course and prize money will not change. Neither will the popular custom of handing out Freihofer’s cookies after the race.

“Yes, there will be Freihofer’s chocolate chip cookies at the event this year,” Hislop said.

Darling confirmed the cookies will remain available. Participants can also pick up Delightful Bread, which is “aligned with the mission to inspire a healthy and nutritious lifestyle” with options for Keto friendly, low-carb and low or no sugar, according to Darling.

The Delightful Run for Women will hold its 46th edition at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 1, with the start and finish line near Albany City Hall. There are 800 registrants so far, according to Hislop. Those interested can sign up here.

The race was won by Tristin Van Ord last year as organizers celebrated its 45th year.

Hislop said she expected some people to take time warming up to the new name.

“The New York City Marathon, Chicago, all of that, they change sponsors all the time,” Hislop said. “It has been so incredibly unique to have one.”

Cindy Pullman of Colonie, who said her late aunt was a 42year employee of Freihofer’s, disapproved of the race name change.

“Please … Freihofer’s Run for Women has a history in Albany,” wrote Pullman. “To change the name in its 46th year is an abomination.”

“I don’t for 1K believe the name change is for more national coverage,” Pullman wrote.