SYRACUSE, NY – Runners and walkers can now register for the third annual 5K/10K walk/run to benefit David’s Refuge, the East Syracuse-based non-profit which provides rest and support to caregivers of children with special needs. The race is the kickoff event of the International Taste Festival Saturday, April 6 at the New York State Fairgrounds. Registration is $40 for the 5K and $50 for the 10K, with an additional five dollars for those participating virtually, at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Syracuse/InternationalTasteFestival5K10K.
The race is presented by Willow Running USA in partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods. It begins at 10 a.m. outside the Center of Progress Building and runs on the Fairgrounds and on the scenic Empire Trail along Onondaga Lake. There will be water stations along the route and professional medical care available. Participants will receive a custom long sleeve tech shirt, a finisher’s medal, and a ticket to enter the International Taste Festival. Discounted tickets for family members of registered races are available. See the race registration page for details. The run ends with an awards ceremony at Noon inside the Center of Progress Building.
“The best festivals are like the best parties – they bring lots of people together for a fun day. This race kickstarts our festival and transitions into our celebration of the delicious food, amazing music and eye-opening arts and crafts of the many cultures that make up Central New York. We are also proud to support the work of David’s Refuge, which helps keep caregivers energized for their own long races,” said Stephanie Pestillo, festival organizer.
This year, David’s Refuge will send 100 caregiving family members to the International Taste Festival, and host more than 20 runners who are raising funds to support their mission to provide respite, resources and support to parents and guardians of children with special needs or a life threatening medical condition. Christine Corbett, the organization’s Director of Philanthropy said, “Since partnering with this event two years ago we have been able to send more than 200 David’s Refuge family members to experience this fun-filled day of community and delicious international foods, all while raising more than $20,000 in support of our mission. The best part is seeing our families and supporters come together to celebrate wellness and the richness of this beautiful community. It is such an amazing way to remind these caregivers that they’re not alone.”
If you’d like to run with the David’s Refuge team, email Christine Corbett at [email protected]. You can also donate, or sign up to run on a Charity Bib, raising money to support caregivers at https://p2p.onecause.com/tastefest24.
“Willow Running offers many running events throughout the year as we focus on providing high energy happiness and a pathway to better physical and mental health. Combining forces with the International Taste Festival for the Taste Fest 5K/10K allows for the best post race festival imaginable” If getting off the couch and moving is your thing for 2024 please come join us,” said Willow Running USA race director Mike Samoraj.
Full details on all aspects of the festival can be found on its website.
About the festival
The International Taste Festival celebrates the music, food and crafts of the world’s many cultures. In 2023, USA Today named the event one of the top 20 city food festivals in America, calling it “a great place to sample homegrown favorites as well food from around the globe, all for a reasonable price. Live entertainment and a 5K/10K race add to the fun. It’s family-friendly, so bring the kids.” The festival runs from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. in the Center of Progress Building. Admission is $5 per person advance sale, $7 at the door. Children under 10 are admitted free. Parking is free on the Fairgrounds.
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