CELORON – The Lakewood YMCA is continuing the long held annual tradition of hosting a 5K run in honor of the late Amy King that died in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Proceeds from the event will not only go toward assisting the YMCA, but also to providing scholarships for children at a nearby high school.

King was a stewardess aboard United Flight 175 in 2001. Flight 175 would be the plane that would ultimately go on to strike the south tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m., less than 20 minutes after the initial strike on the north tower. While a resident of Connecticut at the time of her death, King was a native to the village of Celoron. King’s long time boyfriend was also working as a flight attendant on the plane at the time of the hijacking. While King was only 29 years old at the time of her passing, the impact that she had on the area had been greatly felt.

“The race is for Amy, she was always running the fourth of July races and things like that. She was a part of the YMCA, and she had a passion for children. So the family put this race together in memory of her,” said Lakewood YMCA Site Supervisor Crystal Rodriguez.

On Nov. 29, eager residents will have the opportunity to participate in the 5K run beginning at 11 a.m. The race will begin at the Moose Lodge in Celoron, which has graciously sponsored the event and allowed for the utilization of their building. Packet and shirt pickup will be located inside of the Moose Lodge, with special offerings also available to participants. Rodriguez noted that there will be pizza and awards for the participants following the race. There will also be a musical artist present to offer some soft and relaxing background tunes afterwards, according to Rodriguez.

Those interested in participating in the race can sign up online, or register the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. No registrations will be accepted after 10:30 a.m. on the day of the race though. Proceeds from the event will go toward both a scholarship for a senior in high school, but also toward ensuring the opportunity for children to attend the YMCA summer camp. The scholarship is for $1,000 and is awarded to a specially selected senior at Southwestern Central High School, the school which King graduated from. Rodriguez noted that funds are also utilized to aid families that are struggling to afford the summer camp. Not only that, but these funds have proven important to the addition of some upgrades, as the group has used these funds to improve the playground and tables as well at the camp.

“It helps the Lakewood YMCA. It’s a community event to bring families together, and it’s important because sponsors and participation helps our numbers and, you know, helps out our community,” said Rodriguez.

For any further information contact 716-763-0303.