Health & Fitness
35 Years and Running
Meet the Man who has Done the Corporate Cup for More than Three Decades
Omaha resident Gary Harvey began participating in the American Lung Association in Nebraska’s Fight For Air Corporate Cup powered by Green Plains, Inc. in the early 1980s for fitness, but after more than 35 years, his motivation evolved to helping in the fight against lung disease.
Harvey does not remember exactly which year he began participating, but he knew it was prior to 1984 and one of the first years of the race. His employer was sponsoring anyone who wanted to participate, so he thought of it as a great way to stay in shape. From then on, it became something he loved to do each year.
“It’s very well organized and there is a good sense of community,” said Harvey. “It appeals to a broad range of people – families, young, old, walkers and runners.”
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Over the last 35 years and through several career changes, Harvey has participated in the Corporate Cup. Now, he organizes and recruits team members for the race. Last year, he recruited more than 40 people to join the Corporate Cup from his company, Tenaska.
“I am a firm believer in wellness, especially since I am in human resources now,” he said. “As I have moved on in my career, I have continued to see the Corporate Cup as a great way to motivate people to get healthy.”
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Over the years, he has seen several changes in the event – new location, various routes, different teams, but he also saw his motivation change. He now participates to support the fight against lung disease.
“My dad had pulmonary fibrosis, so the cause is near and dear to my heart,” said Harvey. “I first got involved in the Corporate Cup because it was a healthy activity, but now there is a much bigger cause – to support the work of the Lung Association.”
The Corporate Cup is a 10K and 2-mile run/walk. The event is the Lung Association’s signature fundraising event and is one of the largest corporate road races in the United States. Each year, the event attracts more than 5,000 participants from all over the region.
Photo Caption: Gary Harvey with the Tenaska team at the 2018 Fight For Air Corporate Cup on September 9. Note that only about half the team is in this photo.