Olympic Runner to Join Rye Y for Rye Derby's 25th Anniversary

RYE, NY (April 9, 2013) The Rye YMCA is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its Rye Derby along with Healthy Kids Day on Sunday, April 28.

Eamonn Coghlan, co-founder of the Derby, and a former resident of Rye, will travel from his home in Dublin, Ireland to be the honorary chair. Eamonn is a three time Olympian and has been known as the “Chairman of the Boards” for his successes on the American Indoor Athletics Circuit, breaking the World Record for the indoor mile on three separate occasions. In 1983 he won the 5000m event at the World Championships in Helenski.

Runners can choose between a 5K race and a 5 mile USA Track & Field sanctioned race. Both races start at 10:15 am; a 1 mile family fun run/walk starts at

12:15 pm. Several world class athletes as well as local runners are expected to participate in the race. Medals are given to championship race winners in their age groups and there is a cash purse for the top 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the 5 mile race. Starting at 10:30 am, runners and families are invited to gather at the Rye Y for free activities including active games, jumping castle, live music and a BBQ.

Participants are encouraged to register for the races in advance at www.ryeymca.org, (click on the Derby logo) or at the Rye Y’s Member Services Desk. Online registration is available for both races and the family fun run. Registered participants receive a Derby t-shirt. The fee for the 5 mile and 5K race is $25 or $30 the day of the race. The fun run/walk fee is $20.  Open registration and bib pickup begins at 8 am on the race day. Proceeds contribute to teen programming, financial aid for families and community outreach.

For more information, contact the Rye YMCA at 914-967-6363.