Bethlehem YMCA hosting 24-hour walk/run event

BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Get your walking shoes on. The Bethlehem YMCA is hosting its 24-hour walk/run "Strides for the Y" program on Friday and Saturday. The program is part of the Capital District YMCA's (CDYMCA) campaign to raise $100,000 with the community by March 31.

Starting Friday at 5 p.m., a treadmill will be placed in the lobby of the Bethlehem YMCA for walkers and runners who signed up for one-hour turns. Each participant has secured financial donors for their chosen runner or walker.

“The Strides for the Y program is a fun twist on other walk-a-thon events that help nonprofits raise much-needed funds. CDYMCA is dedicated to the holistic development of the communities we serve and having a fitness-focused fundraiser is a natural fit for us. With so many local celebrities participating, it has been great to see the community rally together to give generously and help us continue to serve the Bethlehem area. All funds raised in the annual campaign will benefit CDYMCA as a whole,” said Mark Thurman, executive director of the Bethlehem branch of Capital District YMCA.

The program will end on Saturday, at 5 p.m.