Rings of Strength returns, with a shorter path

At the request of participating cyclists, this year’s Rings of Strength Tour will offer a 15K biking option in addition to the usual 50K route.

New for 2015, the tour will offer a 15 kilometer (about 9.3 mile) bike route, as well as the usual 50K bike route and 5K walk or run.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 in Las Vegas, and all courses will begin at 5:30 a.m. outside the tour bus entrance of Mandalay Bay Resort Casino.

It is structured so that participants can complete the course and have sufficient time to prepare for the day’s events at market week, JFC said.

“We received a number of requests from (cyclists) who were looking for a shorter, less-challenging route that they could complete and still put in a full day of work,” said Rebecca Foerster, JFC board member and executive vice president of strategic planning and marketing at Leo Schachter Diamonds. “The event has a real sense of camaraderie and provides an outlet for folks who have a hectic day during a busy week.”

Those interested can sign up for the Rings of Strength Tour at RingsofStrength.org. During sign-up, participants can create their own fundraising page and URL that can be sent to friends and family.

Cyclists can bring their own bikes or rent one (bicycle reservations can be made during the sign-up process.)

The Rings of Strength Tour has generated more than $100,000 since its inception in 2013, which benefits children in need through JFC’s charity partners: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Make-A-Wish America and the National CASA Association.