NEWS
Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals

77-97: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , June 5, 1997

GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE WELCOMES CANCER SOCIETY EVENT


Bikers, walkers and runners will mass along the George Washington Bridge this Sunday, June 8, as they take part in the Tenth Annual George Washington Bridge Challenge to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Bikers will use the bridge's lower level, while walkers and runners participating in the event will use the north sidewalk on the bridge's upper level.

The lower level will be closed beginning at 4 A.M. Drivers will be diverted to the upper level of the bridge during the race. No impact upon traffic is expected, and the lower level will be re opened at about 9 A.M.

"This annual event is colorful and fun for the entire family. The Challenge also has a serious side that touches the lives of everyone," said Robert E. Boyle, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "Both participants and their sponsors know that their support brings us closer to finding a cure for cancer."

The event will include 4, 10, 20, 35 and 63-mile bike courses, and 5K and 10K foot paths for running and walking.

Cyclist registration begins at 6 A.M. in the Port Authority parking lot behind the George Washington Bridge Jersey side of the bridge in Fort Lee. The Administration Building is located two blocks west and two blocks south of the toll plaza. Registration for walkers and runners will start at 8 A.M. The first event for cyclists starts at 6:20 A.M. The first event for runners starts at 8:40 A.M. and for walkers at 9 A.M.

Participants are asked to raise pledges of $100, and bring those pledges to the event. Eligibility for prizes is based on the amount of money raised. Some 1,000 people are expected to participate in the event.

Cyclists will begin in Fort Lee, N.J., ride over the lower level of the bridge and turn around before the ramps to the Trans-Manhattan Expressway. Then they will cycle back over the bridge through Bergen County, N.J., and Rockland County, N.Y. Walkers and runners will also begin in Fort Lee, making the round trip from New Jersey to New York using the bridge's north sidewalk.

The course routes end at Allison Park in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., where a "Celebration of Life" picnic will be held in honor of those individuals, and their families, who have survived their fight with cancer.

Sponsors of the event include Holy Name Hospital, Inserra Supermarkets and WNEW Radio.

end

For further information, contact:Sue Madison, American Cancer Society, (201) 343-2222 or (800) GWB-BIKE.

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