ATLANTA - October 7, 2024 - MYLAPS Sports Technology has pledged an annual contribution of $10,000 for the next five years to support Atlanta Track Club's youth programs. This commitment will expand the Club's efforts to eliminate barriers to entry for its youth programming by making the Thanksgiving Day Mile & Dash free to all youth participants for the first time.
MYLAPS, known globally for its sports timing technology at major events such as the Boston Marathon and the Olympics, has its American base in Atlanta. Earlier this year, MYLAPS entered into a long-term partnership with Atlanta Track Club, bringing its cutting-edge technology to all Club events and youth programming. Supported by timing partner The Last Mile Racing, MYLAPS has powered all the Club's events in 2024.
"As a company with deep roots in Atlanta, we're proud to support the future of local athletics," said Camiel Slaats, CEO of MYLAPS. "By contributing to the youth programming and community races, we're helping the next generation of athletes develop a lifelong love of sports."
The donation arrives at a time when Atlanta Track Club has seen record growth in participation across its youth events. The funds will continue to support Midweek Miles & Dash events, which serve up to 3,000 kids annually, and cover timing services for the Club's free youth races.
"This donation allows even more families to participate in a tradition that means so much to the Atlanta running community," said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club. "Thanksgiving Day has long been a time for families to come together, and now, with the final youth event of the year being free, more kids can experience the joy of running on this special day."
On Thanksgiving Day, each child will receive a commemorative item and medal. With only 1,000 spots available, registration is expected to reach capacity quickly. Parents are encouraged to join their children in the Mile as adults can also register for $20. The day of events also includes the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and 5K.
The Thanksgiving Day Mile & Dash marks the third race of the year to be made free for youth, following the Microsoft Peachtree Junior and the PNC Atlanta Mile & Dash. The Peachtree Junior reached capacity with more than 3,000 participants.
Registration for the 2024 Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Mile & Dash is available here. For more information about the weekend, visit this webpage.