Registration Opens May 19 for 2008 Hudson River Swim For Life™
& Hudson River 5K Race™
New One-Mile Swim Option

           Online registration opens Monday, May 19 for the 17th annual Hudson River Swim for Life™ and 3rd annual Hudson River 5K Race™, which take place this year on Sunday, September 7.  Both the non-competitive three-mile Swim and the 5K US Masters Swim sanctioned Race begin at Nyack Memorial Park in Nyack, NY, and finish at Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow, NY.   For the first time in the event’s history, there will also be a one-mile swim event this year, beginning at Philipse Manor Beach Club and finishing at Kingsland Point Park beach. Those interested in participating and/or volunteering can sign-up at www.hudsonriverswim.org.
           Since its inception over 17 years ago, the mission of the Hudson River Swim for Life  has been to raise awareness of the Hudson River, promote swimming as a lifelong form of fitness, and to raise funds for the ongoing efforts of charities in the community.   The event typically raises over $200,000 in pledges.
           “This Swim has evolved into a multi-faceted event,” remarked Terry McGlynn of Sleepy Hollow, Co-Chair of the Swim Committee. “With the addition of the race and one-mile swim components, as well as the increase in kayaker and volunteer participation, we continue to be able to raise significant funds for local charities while giving more people in our community each year a chance to celebrate the Hudson.”
            All proceeds from the Hudson River Swim for Life will benefit the Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  The Hudson River 5K Race, a competitive swim with race categories, will benefit the Friends of Claire foundation, which promotes awareness and supports research for ALS Disease.  Along with a $25 registration fee, those participating in the three-mile and one-mile Hudson River Swim for Life events are required to collect $350 in pledges for LLS.  Swimmers in the Hudson River 5K Race are required to collect $400 in pledges for Friends of Claire.
           The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is also offering interested swimmers the opportunity to train for the event through its nationally acclaimed Team in Training (TNT) program.  TNT participants in the three-mile Hudson River Swim for Life will be asked to raise $1,200 in pledges. In exchange, LLS will provide coaching, a wetsuit, and a personal kayaker to accompany each TNT swimmer throughout the Swim.  Social events will also be planned for TNT members both before and after the event.  More information on Team in Training can be found at www.teamintraining.org/wch.
            The Swim Committee has always placed an emphasis on safety for this event, providing kayak support and additional layers of protection for the swimmers under the watchful eye of the U.S. Coast Guard. The course is also carefully designed so that it adheres to the delicate tide flows of the Hudson River.            
            Over 250 swimmers, along with 150 kayakers and paddleboarders, are expected to participate in the Swim and the 5K Race.  Sponsors, kayakers, boaters, and on-site volunteers are still needed and essential to making the event a success.  For more information, call Diandra Kodl at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter at 914/949-0084, ext. 8993, or visit www.hudsonriverswim.org