A group of athletes are preparing to run a race at the Chautauqua Striders Youth Track and Field Development program in August 2024, held at Strider field, 95 Martin Road. Some of the upcoming races, hosted by the Chautauqua Striders, help fund youthful programs such as the one pictured. During the track development program, student athletes learn and compete in a variety of track and field events such as sprints, long-distance races, long jump, high jump, shot put, hurdles and free play games -and learn about living healthy active lives. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

FREWSBURG- Two Frewsburg High School students have chosen to run their own race.

No pun intended.

Frewsburg High School Seniors Olivia Hallenbeck and Brooke Golab are organizing a 5K fundraising race entitled the Color Burst 5K set to be held April 26 starting at Robert H. Jackson Elementary School as part of their senior project.

All money generated will go to support the Chautauqua Striders Youth Athletic Programa.

The one-mile race portion of the program is set to start at 9:15 a.m. and the 5K race is set to begin at 10 a.m. Registration begins April 12. Additionally, staff from the Chautauqua Striders will mentor and help guide Hallenbeck and Golab through the process.

“I’m excited to be mentoring Olivia and Brooke as they organize the Color Burst 5K, which supports Striders athletic programming,” said Lexi Lindamer, Chautauqua Striders athletics director. “Fundraisers like this are essential in keeping our youth sports programs both affordable and accessible to the local community. This event promises to be a fun-filled day for families, and runners of all levels.”

Originally founded in 1979 as a local track club, Chautauqua Striders has since developed into a multi-faceted community organization, offering diversified programs that incorporate its mission of to “mentor and guide youth through education, advocacy and athletics; The not-profit agency, based in Jamestown, provides tutoring, mentoring, outreach and athletic programs to more than 1,500 Chautauqua County youth annually.

For more information visit chqstriders.org or email lexi@chqstriders.org.