From the New York Thoroughbred Breeders comes news of the inaugural running of a new race at Saratoga this year. It’s scheduled for Saturday, August 15th (the same day as the Sword Dancer); it’s open to entrants of all ages and both sexes; and at three miles, it’s longer than most races you’ll see at the Spa this summer.

Oh, yeah, and this one’s for humans.

The Thoroughbred auction company Fasig-Tipton, which has held yearling sales in Saratoga each August for ninety years (and which for several summers employed yours truly) is hosting a 5k run to raise money for the people of the New York backstretch. All proceeds from the race and donations will go to the Belmont Child Care Association; the Backstretch Education Fund; the Racetrack Chaplaincy; and Backstretch Employees Service Team (B.E.S.T.).

As we get closer to the race date, I’ll provide information on how to register to run; if you’re not close enough to Saratoga to participate, there will be opportunities to donate money and other goods such as backpacks, writing utensils, mattresses, blankets, pillows, diapers, children’s books, gently used clothing, and gift cards/certificates.

Two weeks prior to this race, the Special Olympics will host its annual Silks and Satins race to benefit New York’s Special Olympics participants. Hey, maybe we can get another organization to host a race three weeks later, on September 5th, and offer our own Triple Crown of charity racing? Three races in five weeks…maybe we can make the last one a 10k—the Test of the Champion?