Saratoga Casino and Raceway has been named the premier sponsor and host site of the 8th annual Saratoga Lions Duathlon, an event run by The Saratoga Springs Lions Club each May. The 2012 Saratoga Lions Duathlon will be held at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.

Race participants will tackle a 5k run, followed by a 20-mile bike ride, and end with another 5k run. Race start time is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Participants can be individual, two-person teams or three-person teams. Area businesses can also participate with a three-person team in the Corporate Challenge category.

This is the first year the event will take place at Saratoga Casino and Raceway after many previous years being held at Skidmore College. The 2011 Saratoga Lions Duathlon had over 400 participants.

"We are excited to welcome this event to our property," stated Saratoga Casino and Raceway Senior Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs Rita Cox. "We hope to enable the Lions Club to continue in its annual efforts to grow the duathlon, and make it an even more prosperous event."

"I am pleased to move our event to Saratoga Casino and Raceway. This move will give us the opportunities to help grow our event and continue to provide an excellent atmosphere for our participants and spectators", said Lions Duathlon Chair Michael Baxter.

Early-bird registration fees are $55 per individual, $80 per two-person team, and $100 per three-person team until 05/10/12 (mail-in entries must be postmarked by 5/10/12). Pre-registration fees from May 10 through May 24 are $60 per individual, $90 per two-person team, and $115 per three-person team.

On the day of the race, entry fees are $65 per individual, $100 per two-person team and $130 per three-person team. Free shirts will be provided to the first 300 entrants. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category and results will be computerized.

Proceeds will further the Foundation’s work in sight and hearing conservation, diabetes, community and youth programs.

To register, go online to saratogalions.com or call 518-527-8787.

(Saratoga)