DC starts endurance racing organization

Richard Izzo, DC, a 1990 graduate of NYCC has launched a non-profit organization, called “Toughman Inc.” that held the first and only Half Iron Distance triathlon in Westchester, NY.

Since graduating NYCC, Dr. Izzo has participated in more than 180 triathlons including 10 Ironman triathlons and served as chairman of the Westchester Triathlon, which has been in existence for about 25 years.

His dedication to and expertise in long-distance running has helped him build a practice made up primarily of endurance athletes. “I started the Toughman Half because I wanted to affect more than just the patients I treat in the office,” Izzo explained. “Toughman is all about motivating people to achieve great things as well as introducing them to the benefits of the health and fitness lifestyle. Who better knows this better than a chiropractic doctor?”

The first Toughman Half race was a tremendous success, with close to 200 participants as well as 180 volunteers, including eight chiropractors and eight massage therapists. In 2009, those numbers grew to some 600 participants and 500 volunteers.”The growth in the sport has been exponential and I fully expect a field of more than 1,500 in 2 years,” Izzo said.

“I have also started The Toughman Community Fund that allows all our volunteers and racers to raise money for their own charities. We anticipate that this program will raise more than $100,000 this year for multiple local charities, like the police, firefighters, local H.S. cheerleaders, churches and synagogues.”

Sponsors include Gatorade, Zootsports, Hammer Nutrition, Cliff Bar, St. Luke’s Hospital, State Farm, Canon, and BMW. In 2009, Izzo added a children’s triathlon, ToughKids.

For more information, visit the website at www.WestchesterToughman.com.