By (June 5, 2008)

UAlbany Rises to Challenge

University at Albany faculty and staff made a strong showing at the recent GHI Workforce Team Challenge in Albany. UAlbany's team boasted 45 runners, joggers and walkers, according to Team Captain Cathy Probst of the Athletics Department.

The annual GHI Workforce Team Challenge averages a competitor field of 6,000 runners and is one of the largest annual road races in Upstate New York. The 3.5 mile race to promote fitness and health has been run in historic downtown Albany since 1980, with teams representing every type of business from emerging nanotechs to hospitals and universities.

UAlbany's Dana Peterson placed first in the women�s division; Nick Conway and Andy Allstadt placed second and third in the men�s division. The men's team, consisting of Conway, Allstadt, Tim Hoff, and R.J. Bevers, took first overall. UAlbany's women's team placed second overall. The women's team was made up of Peterson, Renee Lucier-Decelle, Melinda Larsen and Bethany Hawke.

"You truly have to witness this event to understand the magnitude," said Probst. "We want to spread the word that everyone is welcome and we encourage UAlbany employees from every fitness level to join us next year.  Spreading UAlbany�s good name happens at community events like the Workforce Team Challenge."