"It is with gratefulness and excitement to share with you on this day, what would have been Alec's 71st Birthday, that the Unatego Booster Club has made public the decision to name their Sprintin for Spartans 5K race/walk in memory of Alec. My heart was filled with such emotion and pride when they called and surprised me with this news a few weeks ago. Although Alec was not a runner, he was a giver to his community of Otego, the Unatego school community and to his work community of the City of Oneonta. After Alec passed away, I learned that while he served on the City Environmental Board, he was largely responsible for the planting of over 500 trees throughout the City of Oneonta. So, chances are, when driving through the city, the healthy trees you see, you can thank Alec for. Alec lost his life after years of battling the dreadful disease of Alzheimer's. Unfortunately, one of Alec's younger brother's is also suffering from this same disease. A portion of the proceeds from this race is going to be donated to the Alzheimer's Association in our local area district. This organization has helped me immensely as we tried to understand the unforseen future of living with Alzheimer's. It was a journey that the Alzheimer's organization taught me how to cope with and gave me strength to get through. I am so hopeful that one day there will be a cure for this debilitating disease that turned Alec's life into his prison. I am going to make it my goal to train and prepare to run this race in honor of Alec. I would ask my friends, family, area runners and those who don't run (as you can also walk this course), to join me in supporting the Unatego Booster Club who help to support all Unatego sports and other school organizations AND The Alzheimer's Association. The race application is attached with all the information. This race is also going to be available for those who can't come, to be run virtually. Thank you for reading this long post and considering this endeavor. 
Judy"
The Unatego Spartans Booster Club has unanimously chosen to Host the Sprintin' For Spartans Race in honor of Alec Pitel
Alec cared deeply for his community and was an engaged citizen. He served on the Village of Otego Planning Board, Unatego School Board, Unatego Spartan Booster Club, and was a member of the Otego United Methodist Church where he was a Trustee. He also helped construct the playground at the former Otego Elementary School. Alec greatly enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching sports. He coached his son's many youth sports teams, his wife's softball team, and assisted with Unatego Modified Softball. He played in the Men's Over-35 Softball League for many years and also participated in the Wells Bridge Horseshoe/Pitch League. He was a member of the Otego Monday Night Football Club.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Alzheimer's Foundation
The Unatego Booster Club's purpose is to support ALL the extracurricular activities of the Unatego Jr/Sr High School. We are proud to bring this event to our School.
Most area races are held on village roads, but we wanted to be different. All three runs/walks will be on the grounds of The Unatego High School and use our Cross-Country Course. The 5k will use the same course our Team uses, and the 5 Mile will have some added mileage on the grounds. The walk will be more on the lawn of the Spartans home, and we will try to limit the hills.
