Amherst Youth Board relay promotes healthy choices
by DARLENE M. DONOHUE Lifestyles Reporter

More than 200 individuals ages 12 and older are getting their running shoes ready in preparation for next weekend's eighth annual Amherst Dusk to Dawn Relay Challenge.

According to Amherst Youth Board public relations coordinator Roseanne McCarthy, the event is being held to raise money for programs associated with the Amherst Youth Foundation, while also promoting healthy choices for youth.

"The event earns more than $10,000 for the Youth Board, and it's a youth development activity that presents a healthy, fun and safe challenge," she explained. "They will be able to apply this relay to life's other challenges, teaching the participants to challenge themselves both physically and mentally."

The Relay Challenge event consists of youth and adult teams, each team containing 10 to 12 members, with each participant running or walking a mile, then passing a baton to the next teammate, who does the same. The event continues for 12 hours.

McCarthy also encourages nonparticipants to attend, as there will be other attractions, including a visit and remarks by former Buffalo Bill Thurman Thomas, a health fair, demonstrations, entertainment and dinner.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 at Sweet Home High's outdoor field, 1901 Sweet Home Road. Registration is $30 per member with a $300 minimum team of 10 to 12 individuals.