Photo by Richard Calvache
April 24, 2017 Staff Report
More than 500 people have already signed up to participate in this year’s LIC Post ‘Run the Waterfront’ 5K.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, June 3 at 9 am, is likely to be a sell out since the number of participants is limited to 1,500.
“We have been staggered by the interest in the event this year,” said Christian Murray, publisher of the LIC Post, who is organizing the 5K with the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy and two local running groups. “Given the interest, we are telling people to register now.”
“Last year’s event was a hit so we’re proud to help bring such a popular event back to the waterfront,” said Christian Amez, who is helping to put the event together.
The inaugural event sold out about a week before the run. The number of runners/walkers in 2016 was capped at 1,200 last year.
This year, large numbers have already signed up for the children’s dashes on Center Boulevard. Those races will take place immediately after the 5K, an immensely popular component of the inaugural event.
The 5K is a charitable event, with all of the proceeds going to the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC), a nonprofit group that was formed 19 years ago (as Friends of Gantry State Park) with a mission to enrich the quality of life in Hunters Point by preserving and enhancing its parks, green spaces and waterfront in partnership with the community.
Funds raised from the run will be used to support events and programming in the parks and for upkeep and maintenance in both Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park.
Rob Basch, President of HPPC, said some of the funds will be used to support the Summer Kids 2017 program in partnership with Gantry Parent Association which last year provided more than 40 free events at LIC Landing for some of the younger members of our community.
“This year’s event is already generating a buzz,” Basch said. “It is going to be an amazing day for all and we would like to thank our wonderful sponsors, parks employees and the 108 precinct in advance. We look forward to another fun-filled day for all so register now.”
The event will start next to Hunters Point South Park. It will then go through the shopping district on Vernon Boulevard and all the way over to Queensbridge Park (see map for route).
Jeffrey Choi and Ann Sansaricq, both members of Long Island City Runners and Woodside-Sunnyside Runners, will be race day organizers.
“Long Island City is a one of the best places in the world to run,” Sansaricq said. “The word has got out ant that is why so many people are registering.”
The event will feature children’s races after the 5K again, which proved to be a big hit last year.
There will be medals presented to the fastest three men and women. There will also be medals awarded to children.
The day will include a post-race party with live music, food and drinks available at LIC Landing.
The event will cost $25 for adults and $15 for children. Those who register before May 17, will be guaranteed a race T-shirt and swag-bag items.
T-shirts cannot be guaranteed after that date.
Several companies have already come forward to sponsor the event.
Plaxall, Metro Orthodontics, Foodcellar Market, Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry, NYC Ferry, Related Companies, Crossfit Gantry, Kenseal, Rockrose, Dutch, Factory House, Rick Rosa Group, Modern Spaces, Manducatis Rustica, M&T Bank, Yoga Room/Workout Factory, SHI, Woodbines, Jackson’s Bar, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Mill Re, Blvd Wine Bar, Blue Streak Wine & Spirits and Mr. Lumberjack, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, State Sen. Mike Gianaris
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
To register, please click here
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