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Race to benefit LGBT organizations, June 17 at Long Branch Park

The Second Annual CNY Gay 5K, presented by Carrier, will be held at Long Branch Park in Liverpool on Saturday, June 17, at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the event, after expenses, will benefit SAGE Upstate and CNY Pride. Carrier, a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

“We are excited to once again work with Carrier for the CNY Gay 5K,” said Bob Forbes, president, CNY Pride, which coordinates the CNY Pride Parade and Festival as well as other events for the local LGBT community. “We were thrilled at the turn-out last year and hope to see more people come out this year.”

The annual event was created by the employee PRIDE group at Carrier to benefit lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Last year’s inaugural run/walk drew more than 250 participants and raised $3,000 for local non-profit organizations serving the local LGBT community.

“I have been to Gay 5K events in other cities and thought it would be a great addition to Pride Month in Syracuse,” said Valerie Lisi, materials engineer, Carrier, who serves as the event coordinator. “The CNY Gay 5K is a celebration of Pride and a great way for allies and corporations to show their support for the LGBT community.”

The race starts in the parking lot at Long Branch Park and proceeds across the Long Branch Bridge, winding through Onondaga Lake Park. Runners and walkers then loop around and make their way back into Long Branch, finishing near the shelter area.

“The CNY Gay 5K promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, which is extremely important as we age,” said Kim Dill, executive director, SAGE Upstate, which serves older LGBT people with programs focused on support, connection, health and education. “It also helps us raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBT elders.”

The race is also accepting volunteers to help with set-up, registration, course marshalling and clean-up. Many of the volunteer opportunities allow participation in the race as well. All volunteers will receive a CNY Gay 5K volunteer t-shirt. Visit www.cnygay5k.com for details.

Participants who register early at www.cnygay5k.com will save $5 off the entry fee. Race-day registration will be $30. The first 300 registrants will receive race shirts and swag bags. Children ages 13 and younger may register with parents for $5 and will run/walk the same course as the adults.

The course is certified by USA Track and Field for accuracy. Results will be certified by Auyer Race Timing. Strollers are welcome but dogs, bicycles and rollerblades are not permitted on the course.

About Carrier
Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. For more information, visit www.carrier.com or follow @Carrier and @SmartColdChain on Twitter.