ALBANY, NY – February 17, 2026 – CDPHP, the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC), and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region are thrilled to announce they’re joining forces to make the week of the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge and 518 Day more impactful for our community than ever before.
Registration is now open for the 2026 CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge, a 3.5-mile road race starting and ending on Madison Avenue in downtown Albany near the Empire State Plaza. This year’s race is set for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:25 p.m. and the registration fee is $35.
As you gear up for the race, we invite you to take your commitment to community one step further by participating in 518 Day, the region’s largest volunteer day powered by the United Way of the Greater Capital Region and CDPHP. On 518 Day, or May 18 each year, hundreds of volunteers across the Capital Region come together to support local nonprofits through hands-on projects that strengthen our community. It’s a fun, meaningful way to give back – and this year, your participation goes even further.
For every 518 Day volunteer who is also registered for the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge, United Way of the Greater Capital Region will donate $10 to the race’s Charities of Choice – up to $10,000 total. Simply check the box on the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge registration form to indicate you’re in for both powerful community events!
Announcing the 2026 CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge Charities of Choice
Crossroads Center for Children is a nonprofit organization serving children with and without developmental disabilities, with a primary focus on children with autism. Funds raised through the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge will support the development of a secure nature trail and the installation of perimeter fencing at Crossroads Center for Children, expanding safe, therapeutic outdoor learning opportunities for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. This project will transform an underutilized wooded area and pond into a structured extension of the classroom through trail stabilization, drainage improvements, and enhanced safety measures. While their new facility has expanded indoor programming, this initiative represents a significant investment in outdoor learning – providing students with safe access to nature-based experiences that promote physical activity, emotional regulation, and hands-on discovery.
Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, an agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, supports individuals and families across Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties. They serve people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on those who are economically vulnerable from birth to older adults. Catholic Charities Tri-County Services has consistently responded to year-over-year increases in demand for food and nutrition services. Funding from the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge will directly support efforts to meet this steadily growing community need. New initiatives currently in development – including a mobile pantry, expanded home-delivered meals, and enhanced nutrition counseling services – are designed to address these challenges. With this support, these initiatives can be strengthened, expanded, and brought to more neighbors in need.
The CDPHP WTC Training Program Returns!
ARE Event Productions and CDPHP are once again teaming up to provide a CDPHP WTC Training Program. The training program is geared toward those who are either new to running or consider themselves beginners. The 10-week training will include run coaching, weekly group runs, plus a training guide by Golden Runs. The program cost would be $100, but thanks to the support of CDPHP, it has been lowered to just $70 per person. Registration is available during your CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge registration process and will be capped at the first 40 participants.
Show up strong for the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge and 518 Day this year. Registration at the $35 entry fee will end on May 11. See you at the Plaza!
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About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 29 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC)
The Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club is the Albany area’s largest running organization. The club was formed in 1971 and today has more than 2,500 members who come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life, as well as different running styles and speeds. Members are united in their love of running and desire to promote and participate in quality races and running-related activities. The club organizes more than 30 running events a year at many different locations throughout the Capital District. These events offer something for everyone, novice and veteran alike.
About United Way of the Greater Capital Region
United Way of the Greater Capital Region mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit a century ago, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. Through strategic investments and community partnerships, United Way helps families meet their basic needs, access education, and achieve financial stability.
About ARE Event Productions (AREEP)
AREEP is an endurance event timing, technology, and full-scale production company based in Albany, NY. They have provided services to over 2,000 races and running events across the U.S. and Canada, including national championships, the Nike Women's Series, and the NYC Marathon. AREEP also operates the Albany Running Exchange, a 1,000+ member running club in Albany with numerous group running opportunities offered on a near daily basis.