Women's Right to Run 19K/5K Named Official Partner Event for 261 Fearless
Global nonprofit aims to empower women through running
SENECA FALLS, N.Y., Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Generations Bank, organizing sponsor of the first ever Women's Right to Run, announced today the inaugural run has been named a partner event for 261 Fearless, Inc., a global community of female runners and walkers founded by running legend Kathrine Switzer. The Women's Right to Run 19K/5K is 261 Fearless' third United States event partner.
Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entry in 1967, wearing bib number 261. Runners and non-runners alike may be familiar with Switzer thanks to the iconic photo of a race official attempting to forcibly tear off her bib and remove her from the course because she was a woman.
"The Women's Right to Run 19K/5K is a true celebration of female empowerment. When I learned of this run taking place in the historic town that is known as the Birthplace of Women's Rights, I knew a partnership with 261 Fearless would be the perfect fit," said Switzer. "I'm very excited to be a part of this inaugural event!"
Switzer will be in town for the days leading up to the event to attend various speaking engagements. On race day, Switzer will announce the winners and hand out awards at the post-race ceremony.
"Kathrine is an inspiration to women all over the world, and we were all thrilled when she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame here in Seneca Falls in 2011. We are so fortunate to have her involved with the Women's Right to Run as the spokesperson and delighted that our race is an official part of the 261 Fearless movement," said Katie MacIntyre, AVP – Marketing Officer, Generations Bank.
261 has become a symbolic number for women to feel fearless in the face of adversity. It became the namesake of Switzer's nonprofit organization, 261 Fearless, Inc., allowing women to pass strength gained from running and walking onto other women who are facing challenges. 261 Fearless empowers women through the creation of clubs, training opportunities, merchandising and events.
The Women's Right to Run race will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2016 – Mother's Day Weekend – in Seneca Falls. Runners have the option of registering to run a 5K or 19K, both of which will be USATF (USA Track & Field) certified. Proceeds from the run will benefit the National Women's Hall of Fame's fundraising campaign to rehabilitate and transform the historic Seneca Knitting Mill into the Center for Great Women, the future home of the Hall.
Details about race registration and course maps can be found at www.righttorun19k.org. Details about 261 Fearless Inc. can be found at www.261fearless.org.
About Generations Bank
Generations Bank has partnered with businesses and residents in the Northern Finger Lakes region since its founding in 1870, while maintaining a strong commitment to each and every community in which it operates. The bank is headquartered in Seneca Falls and serves customers from ten retail locations in Seneca Falls, Auburn, Waterloo, Geneva, Union Springs, Phelps and Farmington. Generations was named to CNY Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2015.
In addition to traditional business and consumer deposit services, Generations Bank focuses on residential mortgages, as well as manufactured home, automobile, home equity, commercial, non-residential real estate and construction loans. The organization also serves the broader needs of the Finger Lakes area through its insurance business, Generations Agency (formerly Royce & Rosenkrans) and financial planning and brokerage services offered by Generations Investment Services. For more information, visit MyGenBank.com
About Kathrine Switzer
Iconic athlete, sports and social advocate, author, and Emmy award-winning television commentator, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon. She has been honored widely for her achievements, most recently being inducted into the USA National Women's Hall of Fame for creating positive social change. The ramifications of this work are both joyful and profound, changing forever the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world. Now, through the non-profit 261 Fearless, Inc. and the simple activity of running, millions of women are being fearlessly empowered beyond the finish line. For more information on Kathrine, please visit www.kathrineswitzer.com
About 261 Fearless, Inc.
261 Fearless, Inc. is a global non-profit organization created by pioneer runner, Kathrine Switzer. 261 Fearless uses running as a vehicle to empower and unite women globally through the creation of communication platforms, clubs, training opportunities, ambassadors, merchandising and events. Through these networking opportunities, 261 Fearless breaks down the barriers of geography and creates a global community for women runners of all abilities to support and talk to each other, encouraging healthy living and a positive sense of self and fearlessness. For more information please visit, www.261fearless.org
Contacts:
Kailey Kolozsvary
Martin Davison Public Relations
716.242.7472
[email protected]
Katie MacIntyre
AVP – Marketing Officer
Generations Bank
315-568-1163
[email protected]
SOURCE Generations Bank
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