LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (NCC News) – The sixth annual Syracuse WorkForce Run took place on Tuesday. However, the race was shortened to a 2-mile walk due to heat.
Traditionally, the 5K race promotes a healthy lifestyle in the workplace. Over 4,000 participants were present — a 27% increase from last year.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Syracuse race promotes workplace fitness for a good cause
Ku’ulei Kahale-Lua: The 6th annual Syracuse WorkForce Run takes place at Liverpool’s Onondaga Lake Park tonight at 6:45.
Kyra Wood: This community events hopes to promote fitness within the workplace. Joseph Duffey was at Onondaga Lake earlier for the run. Joe?
Joseph Duffey: That’s right, Kyra. It’s hot and humid right outside Onondaga Lake, but that hasn’t stopped the over 4,000 people from participating in today’s 5K while also helping a good cause.
Duffey: The 6th annual WorkForce Run kicks off this evening, and over 4,000 people are participating — a 27% increase from last tear.
Robert Barwick: We have certainly some new companies and we have growth within existing companies and specifically Syracuse University is one of those companies or organizations that has grown, as well.
Duffey: Neal Coffey is one of over 350 Syracuse University employees running — second most behind Onondaga County. Coffey has shown no sign of stopping anytime soon.
Coffey: We have a good running group here at the university. We get together and try to run at noon everyday. The WorkForce Run is great because it does promote health and fitness among corporations and it’s just an extension of what our club does here at the university.
Duffey: It’s the second straight year that the race has fundraised for Ronald McDonald House of Central New York, proving that it’s more than just a race.
Doc Johnson: What could possibly be more worthwihile than Ronald McDonald
Barwick: It’s taking folks out of the work environment and putting them into a more relaxed atmosphere.
Duffey: The race is bringing a community together while helping those less fortunate.
Duffey: Robert also mentioned that he had to verify whether the 27% increase was tre. He couldn’t believe the event had grown so astronomically. But for now, the event will begin at 6:45 p.m. sharp this evening. I’ll send it back to you at the desk.
Robert Barwick, co-director of the race, has seen the event grow from 400 participants in 2020.
“We have certainly some new companies,” Barwick said. “We have growth within existing companies and specifically Syracuse University is one of those companies or organizations that has grown, as well.”
Onondaga County had the most entrants with over 400. Syracuse University was second with over 350.
Neal Coffey, manager of operations and engineering at Syracuse University’s Dick Clark Studios, always looks forward to the race.
“We have a good running group here at the university. We get together and try to run at noon every day,” Coffey said. “The WorkForce Run is great because it does promote health and fitness among corporations, and it’s just an extension of what our club does here at the university.”
However, the event does more than advance workplace fitness. It was the second year in a row that the event helped fundraise for the Ronald McDonald House of Central New York as the main beneficiary.
For Doc Johnson, a race organizer, the event ensured that it is more than just a race.
“What could possibly be more worthwhile than Ronald McDonald?” Johnson said.
Onondaga County temperatures reached 90 degrees on Tuesday with 40% humidity, according to the National Weather Service. The race, even amid the circumstances, brought a community together while helping those less fortunate.
“It’s taking folks out of the work environment and putting them into a more relaxed atmosphere,” Barwick said.