March 9, 2015 Hike-A-Thon Early-Bird Registration is Now Open for 2015!
The early-bird registration period is now open for the Lake George Land Conservancy’s (LGLC) third annual Lake George Hike-A-Thon, set for Sunday, July 5, 2015. The event is free, and until April 30 registrants will receive a free event t-shirt. Registrations must be made online through the Hike-A-Thon website, lakegeorgehikeathon.org.
Those who choose to make a donation in support of LGLC’s stewardship activities may also receive a limited edition Hike-A-Thon hat for each $25 they give.
The Lake George Hike-A-Thon is a one-day event held each July 5th, created to showcase LGLC’s parks and preserves around Lake George as free public resources, and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and appreciation for the outdoors.
Hikes take place simultaneously all around Lake George, culminating with aerial photography of each group by helicopter. Participants choose one hike to join, depending on time, location and hike difficulty; with 12 sites to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Descriptions of each site are provided on the Hike-A-Thon website.
Photographs will once again be taken by renowned photographer Carl Heilman, II, from a helicopter piloted by Bruce Mowery of North Country Heliflite; Heilman and Mowery are both donating this time for the event.
“This is truly an amazing event,” said LGLC Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman. “The Hike-A-Thon brings hundreds of people together in one morning to show their passion for the lake, and because it’s free, whole families can participate and start a holiday tradition of enjoying ‘unplugged’ quality time outside.”
New Sites for 2015
There are three new sites for 2015, and one additional hike at an old site, for a total of 12 hiking options. The new sites are Anthony’s Nose, in Putnam; Terzian Woodlot, in Hague; and the Pinnacle, in Bolton Landing. Amy’s Park, a preserve in the back woods of Bolton, will host two hikes this year – in addition to the popular easy hike to the property’s beaver pond, a more challenging hike will be led to its southern boundary to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Lake George.
Other Opportunities
LGLC is currently seeking Hike-A-Thon volunteers. A large crew of volunteers is needed to help lead hikes and keep things running smoothly on the ground. For those who want to be part of the event but are unable to hike, joining the Ground Crew is a great way to get involved. Further information is available at lakegeorgehikeathon.org/volunteer. A volunteer orientation, which will cover Hike-A-Thon needs as well as other LGLC volunteer opportunities such as trail stewardship, is set for 10 am on April 11, and is open to anyone wishing to learn more.
LGLC is also seeking business sponsors, which provide essential support needed to keep the Hike-A-Thon free for participants. Information on how to become a sponsor, and what benefits are provided, are at lakegeorgehikeathon.org/become-a-sponsor, or interested businesses may contact Sarah Hoffman at 518-644-9673 or email shoffman@lglc.org.
Current sponsors include Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc., North Country Heliflite, and Fx3-Fit Food Fast. The Lake George Mirror is the event’s media sponsor.
For more information about the Hike-A-Thon visit lakegeorgehikeathon.org, or contact Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman at 518-644-9673, or email shoffman@lglc.org. Fans may also follow the Hike-A-Thon on Facebook: facebook.com/LakeGeorgeHikeAThon.