Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Thousands of runners are registered for Thursday night's J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge. The 3.5-mile race is also known as one of the biggest social events of the summer in Buffalo's Delaware Park.
"This year, we have more than 7,000 participants registered from over 230 companies. Companies with the largest number of entrants are Buffalo Public Schools, Moog, Kaleida Health, and Excelsior Orthopedics," said Race Director Melina Buck on WBEN on Thursday.
The annual race is especially challenging for drivers in North Buffalo. The following roads will be closed:
*Amherst St. (from Colvin to Nottingham, from 5 p.m.-8:15 p.m.)
*The primary race course (Delaware, affecting Amherst to W. Ferry, and parts of Nottingham and Middlesex, from 6:10 p.m.-8:15 p.m.)
*All exits onto Delaware Avenue (north and south) off Route 198 (east and west) will be closed beginning at 6 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to park at Buffalo State University and free shuttle service is offered to and from the park between 4 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET and back to Buffalo State from 8 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET.
It is a competitive race. There are awards for top male, female and non-binary participants. There are also team prizes.
The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge has been held annually in Delaware Park since 1981, with two exceptions. In 2020 and 2021 it was a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The event has been growing every year since COVID," said Buck. "We haven't returned to pre-COVID numbers, but every year since we've come back in person, we have grown. It's still kind of evolving with many workplaces still hybrid and remote."
A portion of proceeds from the Corporate Challenge will benefit the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County.