Cohoes Kicks off Founders' Day and NY Heritage Weekend

The Kickoff to a Weeklong Celebration That Culminates with the Inaugural 15k and 5k Running Races

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Press Conference Photo

COHOES, NY (05/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The city of Cohoes kicked off the 143rd anniversary of its founding in May 19, 1869 with a press conference today, culminating with a two-day Heritage Festival event. In tandem with the City's anniversary, Cohoes is also hosting the much-anticipated "Founder's Day 15K" race with hundreds of registrants from professional runners to aspiring athletes and children.

Cohoes Mayor John McDonald noted, "It takes a full week to celebrate the rich history of a city like Cohoes. We have a lot of events happening this week, and especially this coming weekend. From arts and history to athletics, there is something for everyone in a City that truly offers something for everyone."

The Founders Day celebration coincides with the NY Heritage Weekend, a statewide celebration. "From Montauk to Buffalo and right here in Cohoes, Heritage Weekend features special events, lectures, tours, re-enactments, and discounted admission at heritage and cultural destinations," added Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director at Hudson River Valley Greenway.

At the center of the Founder's Day celebration is the inaugural 15k race presenting the best of Cohoes' history, culture and recreation. Proceeds for this event will benefit the Cohoes Multi-Service Senior Citizen Center to help fulfill its mission to provide programs to support healthy and productive lives for the community.

"Cohoes is a community that pushes people further than what they think they can do. The 15K race has attracted hundreds runners to register for a good cause, and we still have a few slots available" said Lisa P. Osorio, Cohoes' 15K Race Director.

Cohoes' Founder's Day celebration is part of the New York Heritage Weekend, a coordinated effort to showcase heritage and cultural destinations throughout New York State. For more information about the run and other celebration events, go to founders day fifteen k dot com (www.foundersday15k.com) or cohoes dot org (www.cohoes.com).

Cohoes, New York, has fostered lifelong friendships and sense of community to establish a fun, safe and community-minded athletic event to achieve goals in serving children and the elderly. The Founders Day 15K Race is in partnership with local businesses, schools, organizations and the City of Cohoes.