Boot camp challenge to benefit Taylor’s Heroes
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local nonprofit Taylor’s Heroes will host its first “Xtreme Boot Camp Challenge” Saturday.
The organization — which is named in memory of David Taylor Miller, who died while serving in Afghanistan — provides programs that promote active and healthy lifestyles for youths. It will host the obstacle course-style event at the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s Saratoga Springs branch as part of the Y’s suite of events for Healthy Kids Day.
“We have done other fundraisers, but this one is more in tune with who we are,” said Suzanne D’Iorio, co-founder of the organiza- tion and Miller’s aunt.
Attendees can expect a vigorous three-mile run peppered with various obstacles, including mud pits, tire fields, rope nets and special surprise stations.
Participants can register and compete as individuals or as teams. Prizes also will be given out for best costumes and for fastest runners by age group.
“We want kids, families, and serious athletes alike to have fun,” D’Iorio said. “Taylor’s Heroes’ mission is to help kids find an activity that sparks them, and the key to finding it is to get out and try different things.”
Taylor’s Heroes was formed in honor of Miller, a 2009 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and a soldier in the U. S. Army who was killed June 21, 2010, by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. In his youth, Taylor struggled with weight, but he eventually became fit through hard work and support.
The organization was founded and is run by Taylor’s mother, Leslie Miller, and D’Iorio.
They have partnered frequently with the YMCA since their organization’s inception, D’Iorio said.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and the run will kick off at 10:30 a.m. The cost to participate is $30 for individuals and $75 for groups of four or more. Participants can also register at Taylorsheroes.org.
All proceeds from the event will fund activities offered to young people by the organization. More information can be found on the organization’s website or by calling 894-1658.