(Binghamton, NY) The Chris Thater Memorial Races and Music Festival will be held next weekend at Recreation Park in the City of Binghamton August 27th – 28th. The event attracts more than 1,200 athletes and 10,000 spectators to Binghamton’s Westside neighborhood. 

2011 marks the 28th year of the Chris Thater Memorial. This free community event is organized by Broome County STOP-DWI to heighten awareness about drunk driving and to promote healthy lifestyles. It is named in honor of Chris Thater an avid cyclist who was killed by a drunk driver. 

“The Chris Thater Memorial attracts athletes from across our region and the world to compete right here in Greater Binghamton. Broome County is proud to help sponsor this event and is delighted to have the support of SEFCU, the City of Binghamton and all sponsors” said Broome County Executive Patrick J. Brennan.

“The Chris Thater Memorial Races continues to grow due largely to the tremendous  support it receives from our sponsors, the athletes and spectators alike.” said James F. May, Event Coordinator and founder of the Chris Thater Memorial. 

The action begins on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. with the opening of the expo and the first of 21 bands scheduled to play in the music festival. A number of different cycling races will be held during the day Saturday ending with the USA Cycling/USACrits Pro Women’s race at 5pm. On Sunday, racing starts at 8:30 a.m. leading up to the Chris Thater Memorial  USA Track & Field 5K Run at 10am followed by the  USA Cycling/USACrits Pro Men’s cycling event at 11:30 a.m.  

“We’re proud to participate in this great tradition,” said City of Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan. “The races memorialize the life of Christopher Thater, and help raise awareness of substance abuse and traffic safety. Now in its 28th year, the event has grown from a small local race into one of North America’s premier cycling and running meets, attracting competitors from across the world. I applaud everyone involved in organizing the races, and I encourage our residents and visitors to attend.” 

For more information about the Chris Thater Memorial or Broome County’s STOP-DWI Program please visit: www.bcstopdwi.com.

To register for the cycling and running events visit www.sportsbaseonline.com 

Past Winners Headed to 2011 Chris Thater