By Megan Montemarano
It’s officially a new year—a fresh start, the opportunity to achieve a new you. While countless resolutions are made, one goal seems to always remain a constant year-in and year-out, leading individuals to lace up those crisp, vibrant sneakers, and hit the gym. This time, though, why not shake things up a bit? There are several ways to embrace a healthy and all-around positive lifestyle in 2017 for both yourself and others. Keep your workouts interesting and extra meaningful this year by participating in one of these upcoming fitness fundraising events happening in a town near you.
Join the Battle: Cycle for Survival at Equinox Greenwich
Join the movement to beat rare cancers with Cycle for Survival, an annual series of indoor team cycling events, where more than 31,000 riders and 200,000 donors come together for a common cause. The annual fundraiser that sweeps the nation every February and March with sweat, tears, inspiration and hope, began in 2007, raising more than $105 million. All donations fund rare cancer studies, clinical trials and major research initiatives led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), which owns and operates Cycle for Survival. The peddling crusade’s founding partner, Equinox, leads riders in 16 cities across the country, and will once again host our region’s event at its location in Greenwich on February 12th, 2017.
“Cycle for Survival brings people together,” comments longtime Greenwich rider, Heather Northrop. “It has become an incredibly important community to me, full of passionate individuals who ride with hope and determination, all while having fun and getting a little sweaty in the process.”
In 2010, Heather’s life changed forever when her seemingly healthy 57-year-old mother, Linda, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Linda began treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, enduring three years of aggressive chemotherapy before losing her battle to the rare disease in 2013. Upon learning about Cycle for Survival from a family friend, Heather and her family formed “Team Teal,” the color of ovarian cancer awareness. For the past six years, the Northrops have used this event to generate support for a cause that is near and dear to their hearts. “I’ve been incredibly humbled by the support from my close friends and family, along with the entire Cycle for Survival community,” adds Heather. “My mom was treated at MSK, and her doctors are part of a team that is making real strides in the battle against rare cancers. They are some of the smartest and most compassionate people I have ever met. I am forever grateful for the care they provided my mom, and the dedication they continue to bring to their work every day.” Join Heather and her family this February as they honor Linda, and unite with others affected by cancer in an inspiring day of shared strength.
For more information on the Cycle for Survival fundraising event in Greenwich, including registration details and donation opportunities, please visit its website here.
Keep your resolutions going…all year long!
Being aware of upcoming fitness benefits in your community is a wonderful way to stay true to those healthy goals for 2017. Signing up provides something to work towards—a reason to stay in shape physically, motivated by the quest to give back. Here are a few more ways to actively get involved this year.
Greenwich Walk/Run for Hope—Sunday, April 2th, 2017
Help raise money for CancerCare, a professional group dedicated to providing free emotional and practical support to those affected by cancer. Grab your running shoes and head over to Greenwich Point Park for a special 5K event, which welcomes teams of runners, walkers and individual participants. Click here to learn more, and register today. You can also donate to the Greenwich Walk/Run for Hope here.
HSS Greenwich Cup Half Marathon—Sunday, April 9th, 2017
Take in the coastal sights and sounds of Greenwich at the annual HSS Greenwich Cup Half Marathon, a series benefitting American Red Cross, the Department of Parks & Recreation and Greenwich Point Conservancy. This race begins at Greenwich Point Park, following a scenic route through town.
CT Challenge—July 28-29, 2017
The CT Challenge bike ride serves as a main source of funding for the Connecticut Challenge Center for Survivorship, a non-profit organization that provides assistance and resources for cancer survivors. The cycling event, which includes several routes for riders to choose from ranging from 10 to 100 miles, will be held on July 28 and 29, 2017, with bike rides beginning from the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport. Join the challenge now! Visit the CT Challenge website here for more details on the ride, as well as volunteer and donation opportunities.
Keep your eye out…JoyRide Cycling + Fitness, with locations in Westport, Darien, Wilton and Ridgefield, hosts frequent fundraising rides supporting numerous local charitable organizations. Be sure to visit the studio’s “events” page to see what’s happening throughout the year.
Here’s to a successful year of fitness and fundraising!