Christmas Eve road march steps off in Glens Falls

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The annual four-mile Christmas Eve road march in Glens Falls will start at 9 a.m. at the Cooling Insuring Arena, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Members of the community are invited to join members of the New York Army National Guard and organizers to march in support for military members serving overseas and for Veterans who have passed away.

The road march began in 2004 by National Guard recruiter Sergent first class Arthur Coon and his wife Julia. Ten soldiers participated in the first march and since then, it has attracted thousands into the area.

According to organizers, the march has become a tradition to recognize the sacrifices made by all service men and woman who are on-duty, away from their families during the Holidays. The event also encourages donations for care packages to be shipped overseas.

This year's walk will include four different contests, according to organizers. Contests will include Heaviest Male and Female Backpack, Furthest Traveler, Largest Group and Largest Care Package Donation.

Regardless of the weather, the walk will still happen, a Facebook post said. The Warren County Veteran's bus will also be driving along the route for anyone who wants to stay warm or for those who want to participate but cannot walk the route.