DONT MISS: Arena Attack Takes Over The DCU Center Dec. 28
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Friday, December 13, 2013
Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor
Help Children's Friend to improve the lives of children and those who love them.
Imagine running a race in the middle of a typical New England winter without fighting snow, ice, or cold. On Saturday, December 28, you can do just that.
The Arena Attack is a distance running road race series held indoors at the
DCU Center in Worcester. There are absolutely no gimmicks, just competitive running and a component benefitting
Children’s Friend, Inc., the oldest child and family service agency in Worcester. 100% of the funds received from the businesses that purchase showcase space during the Arena Attack will go to the agency.
The concept was invented by Scott Sutter, race director for the Southern New England Athletic Association. As a Division 1 runner, Sutter was accustomed to running in concourses inside his college’s field house during inclement weather. He came up with the idea of the Arena Attack as a way to extend running opportunities for New Englanders. The event was pioneered last January in Hartford to an enthusiastic response.
According to Sutter, “As a runner myself, I know how hard it is to train for the spring unless you go south. Arena Attack gives the running community a properly produced race in the middle of the winter, raises money for a great organization like Children’s Friend, and gives businesses an affordable promotional opportunity.”
For runners looking to be part of an event designed to make a difference while providing optimal running conditions in December, this is the race for you. The perfect test of training before the spring race season, or the ideal course to break a personal record, Arena Attack is an exciting new concept.
Sutter points out that there are a number of advantages to the Arena Attack course. First, it is flat, so forget those seven pesky hills of Worcester. Water stations and bathrooms are never more than a lap away. Runners and spectators will be entertained by an on-course DJ. A sold-out CrossFit Throwdown will be held on the infield. And there will be interesting businesses on display for participants and spectators to browse.
For businesses looking for an affordable way to promote themselves, Arena Attack offers 10x10 spaces with a table for between $100 and $250, with larger displays available for $500. There is plenty of space in the 5,000 square foot Showcase Corner of the DCU Center. A networking event the night before will give sponsors a behind-the-scenes look at the event, and 100% of the funds raised will support Children’s Friend.
Plans are in place to possibly expand to two days in 2014. Sutter also hopes to maximize the fundraising capacity of the building and the event. He is holding out hope that someday he will hand the prep work over to someone else and actually be able to run in the event himself.
Arena Attack offers the following race options, however capacity is limited and spaces are filling quickly.
$60.00 - Half Marathon - 9:00AM Start OR 11:15AM Start
$45.00 - 10k Run - 2:30PM Start OR 3:30PM Start
$35.00 - 5k Run - 8:00AM Start
$15.00 - Kids 1-mile Run - 5:00PM Start
$25.00 - Push Rim & Hand Cycle - 5PM Start
On line registrations can be completed at www.sneaa.org/arena-attack-race-series/. To see availability for registration in each race, log on to www.sneaa.org/arena-attack-race-series/arena-attack-dcu-center-3/.
If an area business would like to showcase, please contact the Arena Attack Director, Scott Sutter, at 413-519-6566 or [email protected] . All information is subject to change. Please check www.sneaa.org/arena-attack-race-series/ or DCUCenter.com for updates.
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