The Rye Y is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its annual Rye Derby along with Healthy Kids Day on Sunday, April 29. Eamonn Coghlan, Rye Derby founder, 3-time Olympian, former World Champion and Irish Senator will return to preside over the races and award ceremony.
(PHOTO: Eamonn Coghlan, Rye Derby Founder Credit: paulmmay)
The day will kick off with a 5M Championship Road Race and a 5K Road Race, both starting at 9:15 am. A 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk starts at 11:00 am. Several world class athletes as well as local runners are expected to participate in the races.
Medals are given to championship race winners in their age groups and there is a cash purse for the top 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the 5 Mile race. In celebration of the Derby’s start in 1988, there will also be contests for the best 1980s dress and hair styles.
A morning of free activities is planned for Healthy Kids Day from 9:00 am-12:30 pm. Families are invited to gather at the Rye Y for active games, live music and free food. If you join the Rye Y on Derby Day, the Rye Y will waive its $100 Joiner’s Fee for new members.
Race and Fun Run/Walk participants are encouraged to register in advance by visiting www.ryeymca.org. The first 600 registered runners will receive a free t-shirt. The fee for the 5M/5K races is $25 or $35 the day of the race. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk fee is $20. Advance registration closes on Friday, April 27 at noon.
Race day registration starts at 7 am. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.ryeymca.org and click on the link for volunteering or contact Lyell Lewis at 914-967-6363 ext 210. Early bib pick-up for pre-registrants is available on Saturday, April 28, 1-4 pm at JackRabbit, 37 Purchase Street, Rye.
The proceeds from the Rye Derby support our Y Cares Financial Assistance Program…and give hope to those who need it the most. In 2017 alone, The Rye Y awarded nearly $418,000 in financial assistance to friends and neighbors in Rye, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Harrison and beyond.
