BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The chase for the top position was in high gear as the Chris Thater Memorial races concluded Sunday. The men's and women's pro cycling events, along with a 5k road race, took center stage as hundreds of spectators looked on.
In the end, Australian Hilton Clarke came away with the $5,000 men's prize. His second title in three years at this event.
For fans, the races are all about having a good time and making a little noise.
"Oh yeah I love to ring the bell. Encourage them on you know," said Helen Monaco, a race fan who rang her bell every lap as the event's unofficial cheerleader.
The Chris Thater Memorial Races took their final lap in Binghamton Sunday. Cyclists from around the world were at the event to compete for pride and prizes. But there was also an important message as well. News 10 Now's Neil St. Clair explains.
"They need that, it's a hot day for them cycling. But it's a great day, and it has been every year."
While it was a fun and fantastic day at the races, there was also a serious anti-drunk driving message that organizers wanted to get across. And it wasn't lost on fans or racers alike.
"It's one of those things that should have been harped on when they were younger, but the older generation, when they were kids, they used to do it themselves, so they don't harp on it as much," said Derrek Ivey, a professional cyclist from Canada.
"I know a lot of my friends and I, we really support that we need to stop DWI. It takes a while to get across to kids, because kids don't really pay attention, they just want to have fun. But for the few who do, they can help get it across," added Catherine Draper, a Binghamton High School sophomore.
This was the Silver Anniversary for the Thater Races, which are sponsored by Broome County STOP DWI and local law enforcement.
As the name suggests, the races are in memory of Chris Thater, a cyclist who was killed by a drunk driver. Thater's parents were on hand for the events that help memorialize their son's memory.
According to organizers, the races have significantly raised awareness and helped lower DWI-related fatalities in Broome County.
Race officials say the event brought out more than 10,000 spectators, and plans are already in the works for next year's race.
For more information, you can click on the link to Broome County STOP DWI here on our website.