We all know that the “buddy system” is a great way to approach a challenge. Buddies give one another encouragement, share training tips and stick along side you until you reach the finish line.
BAPA’s Ridge Run encourages neighbors to invite their buddies to form teams to train for and participate in this year’s races on Sat., Sept. 4.
Teams can unite to raise funds and awareness for an important cause or charity, to promote training and fitness goals, or just to have fun from start to finish. Find easy team sign-up online at bapa.org.
Several teams have already signed up for the Ridge Run, and there’s still time to sign up a team of your colleagues, club members or family and friends.
Among this year’s Ridge Run teams are Anthony’s Avengers, Team Nate, F45 Mount Greenwood and HAMS Run Club.
The Anthony’s Avengers team is committed to raising awareness of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare type of brain cancer that mainly affects children.
The team will run in support of the Anthony’s Avengers DIPG Foundation, which was founded in honor of 7-year-old Anthony Pappalas, who passed away after battling this deadly pediatric brain cancer for 19 months.
The Foundation provides funding for effective treatment and research, as well as resources to families dealing with DIPG.
Live & Believe (LAB) Nutrition will be running to spread awareness of and raise funds for the Marcus Martin Foundation. The foundation was formed in memory of Marcus Martin who died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism in 2014 at the age of 25. It is a not-for-profit entity that provides college scholarships to high school students and conducts free youth football camps. The foundation motto is “To Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Others, One Community At A Time.”
Team Nate was organized in 2009 when Kelly Dombrowski and friends made a pact to run three times a week with the goal of running the 5K Ridge Run in memory of her son, Nathan. Through the years, Team Nate grew to include friends, family, neighbors, and strangers all who wanted to run in memory of Nathan. The team motto is “Running Life to its Fullest.”
Team Nate participated in the Ridge Run, Emerald Isle Mile, Beverly Hills Turkey Trot, Tombstone 5K, She Rox Triathlon, Run for Gus, Southwest Half Marathon, and the Perfect 10 & 10k at Navy Pier.
The team donates money to the Heart Connection Family Bereavement Program at OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Nate’s honor to help other families. Team Nate has not formally run together in a while but the spirit lives on and pops up every now and again.
The F45 Mount Greenwood team is composed of people who work out at F45 Training. F45 Training is a 45 minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit training workout focused on strength and cardio. They have over 4500 different exercises and no fixed equipment so no workout is ever the same. F45 is a sponsor of the Ridge Run and they love getting out together as a team for different local events.
The Hamilton Avenue Mens Social Club (HAMS Club) burst onto the Run Club scene in 2021 diversifying from a social club for gentleman to a running club for all.
Founded by Joe Flamm, Brian Smith, Noel Rosales, and Jeff Farley Phd, HAMS Club is a collective of Hamilton Avenue residents who enjoy cooking, whiskey, and talking very loudly into the late hours. The run team is made up of a fine crew representing the from 94th all the way down to 89th streets. They haven’t expanded north of 95th Street — yet.
To find out what teams are already organized and looking for participants, or to form your own team, visit the Ridge Run at www.bapa.org and select “view teams.” Easy team sign up can be accessed through the registration button. Then start training with your buddies!
Team Fund Raising Party
Teams that want to raise funds and awareness are invited to a Ridge Run Team fundraising party DATE TIME PLACE…. … $20 admission — $10 covers your beverages and refreshments and $10 goes to your team charity.
