With his extensive efforts during his time in Buffalo to promote awareness and raise money for pediatric cancer research, Bills punter Brian Moorman wanted to take it a step further, or in this case several steps further. His PUNT Foundation is hosting its first Sprint Triathlon in Buffalo on Sat. May 29th.
Over the past two years Moorman operated a smaller fundraising race effort through the Town of Pittsford triathlon near Rochester, but decided to make it his own with a race in Buffalo.
"I am thankful for Pittsford allowing us to piggy back off of them the last two years," Moorman said. "We were just in a position to do our own event this year and they inspired us to do that. Hopefully we'll be just as successful. We just thought it'd be fun to bring something to the city of Buffalo that a lot of people can do."
While the word triathlon might sound intimidating, Moorman's event is a sprint triathlon consisting of a 300 meter swim, 13.5 mile bike and three mile run. And as Moorman points out one participant does not have to do all three events.
"You don't have to do it alone," he said. "You can have a two or three person team however you want to do it and come down and have a good time. You can run by the water, ride your bike through the park. It should be a great day."
Over the past couple of years a few of Moorman's teammates have taken part in the race with him including Rian Lindell and Kyle Williams. He's hopeful with the event now downtown that more of his teammates will have the chance to participate.
Proceeds from the race will go toward Moorman’s PUNT Foundation.
"Whenever we do an event the underlying reason is to raise money for our programs," he said. "That's the most important thing, but it's also important to create awareness of our mission. Here in Buffalo is where the hospitals are and where the kids get their treatment. So we're grateful to our partners."
WKBW-TV Channel 7 as well as radio stations 97 Rock and 103.3 the Edge are among the sponsors for the event.
In addition to signing up for the race, Moorman encourages racers to also set up a fundraising page of their own, which can be done online during the registration process.
"The biggest thing we're hoping for is when people sign up to make their own fundraising page and raise money with us," he said. "It's all going to help fund our programs which helps these kids and that's the number one priority for all of us."
For those that cannot race they can help by going to Moorman’s own fundraising page to donate. The PUNT Foundation goal is $10,000.
The race will begin and finish at the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center in downtown Buffalo where the 300 meter swim will take place, with a staggered start for each of the racers. The 13.5-mile bike will follow with the three-mile run concluding the race. Start time for the race is 8 am.
Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers and the first place male, female and co-ed teams. Age group awards will be given to the top three finishers in each category.
Final details on the race route will be provided in the coming weeks at www.brianmoorman.org.
