May 11, 2016 Staff Report
More than 500 people have already signed up for Long Island City’s first waterfront 5K run/walk.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, June 4, is for both runners and walkers—and more than 1,000 participants are expected to attend. There will also be shorter races for children that will take place on Center Boulevard.
Registration is still open, but participants will only be guaranteed a race-day T-shirt if they register by Wednesday, May 18th.
All the proceeds will go to the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC), a nonprofit group that was formed two years ago 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.
Last year the group hosted more than 35 events in addition to almost 20 cleanup and gardening events in both Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunters Point South Park.
“I think the way this event is coming together shows what a great community we have,” said Christian Murray, publisher of the LIC Post, who is organizing the event with the HPPC and two local running groups.
Nearly 25 sponsors have already signed on (see list below).
“The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy is grateful for the support of our sponsors and the community for the inaugural LIC Post 5K,” said Rob Basch, president of the HPPC. “This is an important event for Long Island City as it will encourage healthy living and introduce our beautiful community to many new visitors.”
Basch said the Conservancy will be using a large portion of the proceeds to bring added programming to the waterfront parks. He said he is working with the Gantry Parent Association, which formed midway through last year to advocate for pre-K and kindergarten seats, to provide a range of events for young children.
The idea for children’s races along Center Boulevard came from Jen Theien, who is the head of the Gantry Parent Association and a supporter of the event.
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) before circling back toward Gantry Plaza State Park and Center Blvd.
“The route will take runners past many of our popular restaurants and pubs and then finish by running through the spectacular waterfront parks,” Basch said.
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 and people will see that when they take part in the 5K,” Sansaricq said.
Interested runners/walkers can sign up by clicking here.
There will be medals presented to the fastest three runners in both the men’s and women’s categories. 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 $20 for adults and $15 for children for those who register online. By registering online before May 18, participants are guaranteed a race T-shirt and swag-bag items.
Registration on the day will be $25 per adult and $20 for per child, and T-shirts cannot be guaranteed.
The event sponsors are:
Platinum Sponsors: Plaxall and Douglas Elliman/Dutch
Gold: Rockrose and LIC Dental Associates
Silver: Maiella, SHI, Mandicatis Rustica, Crossfit Gantry, M&T Bank, Sacred Waters and Related
Bronze: Woodbines, LIC Bar, Gantry LIC, Slice Pizzeria, Beer Closet, Sugarcube, Beer Closet, Nesh New York and Tom Cat Bakery.
Additional support from Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, State Senator Mike Gianaris, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, NYC Parks Dept., New York State Parks Dept., and Coffeed.
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4 Comments
Typical of new Luxury Island City. Poor people can only afford a 1K, maybe a 2K. They want 5K?! I guess DeBlasio’s cronies put this together. I hope the street shutdowns don’t prevent me from getting to the bowling alley.
MRLIC, you need to grow up and think less about your bowling.
Does this mean no more race on Skillman?
The Skillman race will take place in September.