Southern Tier Corporate Challenge
Southern Tier Corporate Challenge
Southern Tier Corporate Challenge 5K run/2.1 mile walk aims to support company wellness
OLEAN - The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce created the Southern Tier Corporate Challenge 5K Run and 2.1 Mile Walk in 2011 with the goal of supporting companies in creating internal wellness programs. The Corporate Challenge allowed local businesses to compete in a participative and competitive basis, while promoting fitness and corporate camaraderie. That first year, the event had 302 participants (102 more than anticipated). The challenge has been a success every year since, with an average of 695 participants. This year’s Challenge is set for Thursday, June 23, 2022.
The challenge committee would like to see more participants do the running portion. “It’s great to see so many people come out and participate, but we would like to see people challenging themselves to run,” stated Erica Dreher, GOACC membership services manager and an avid runner.
She added, “There are step-by-step guides to running a 5K - Couch to 5K Training; Become a Runner in 8 Weeks; and Run a 5K, among many others online. We do ask that before you release staff to start in the program, they consider a few points: Please consult with your physician before you start any exercise program if you are over 40, not accustomed to any exercise, or more than 20 pounds overweight. Schedule your workouts/trainings. Expect bad days. And last but not least, don’t rush.”
GOACC asks that anyone participating in the training challenge fill out a registration form. “We are setting up this challenge to reward those that do complete the program AND also compete in the run portion of the Challenge 5K,” said Dreher. The 8-week program will begin April 21st.
Once an employee is registered via email, GOACC will email out several programs to choose from. Each week, GOACC will email the training participants with encouragement, status of their program, and other tidbits.
Following the 8-week program and the challenge event, GOACC will place all participants’ names in a hat and choose winners - gifts will range from a subscription to a runners magazine, a gift card to local grocery stores, and t-shirts and hats. For more information or questions about this year’s Corporate Challenge, please call the GOACC office at 716-372-4433 or email info@oleanny.com.