Runners setting off on the LIC 5K Saturday (Photo Alex Lopez)
Sept. 21, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
More than 1,000 runners soaked up the warm weather Saturday morning and participated in the sixth annual LIC Waterfront 5K.
The event drew participants young and old, with the oldest runners being in their 80s.
The children’s dash, held immediately after the 5K, drew more than 150 children, including dozens of 2-and 3-year-old’s.
The family-friendly run/walk returned to an in-person event after organizers were forced to hold last year’s race virtually due to restrictions associated with the pandemic.
“It was a great turnout and the day could not have been more perfect,” said Rob Basch, president of the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, a neighborhood non-profit that co-organizes the event.
“Watching the runners and hundreds of spectators enjoying the parks and cheering on their friends and family showed once again why Long Island City is a special place.”
The children’s dash drew more than 150 kids (Photo: Alex Lopez)
The annual run is a fundraiser for the HPPC, which organizes cleanups, gardening and community events. The non-profit helps maintain Long Island City’s waterfront parks in partnership with the NYC Parks Department and the state of New York.
The HPPC estimates that it raised over $60,000 in sponsorship and registration fees after expenses from this year’s event.
The race began at the corner of Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue at around 9:10 a.m.
Runners went through the commercial district on Vernon Boulevard all the way over to Queensbridge Park and then looped back to the starting line by passing through Gantry Plaza State Park and along Hunters Point South Park.
The first male athlete to cross the finish line was Derek Mauro with a time of 17 minutes and 14 seconds, while the top female runner, Noelle Weiskoph came in at 19 minutes and 41 seconds.
However, for the majority of participants, the event was seen as non-competitive and provided an opportunity for residents to come together for one of the biggest LIC community gatherings since the onset of the pandemic.
Many residents went on a friendly jog or walks with friends in an area best known for its stunning waterfront views.
Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer spoke at the event and took part in the race. Julie Won, the Democratic nominee to fill Van Bramer’s 26th Council District seat, also participated in the 5K.
I look really happy at the finish line of the #licwaterfront5k this morning – because I was glad it was over! LOL. My time was 34:56 which was…OK! Great to join over 1K runners to support @licwaterfront. Good to be out there with @juliewon2021 & so many more this morning! pic.twitter.com/4zrDUDrSyu
— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) September 18, 2021
The national anthem was sung by Woodside-Sunnyside Runners’ Julie Borst.
Timing, registration and other services were provided this year by elitefeats. For a complete list of results click here.
Runners and walkers setting off on the LIC 5K Saturday (Photo Alex Lopez)
Rob Basch, president of the HPPC, speaking to runners and walkers before the LIC 5K Saturday(Photo Alex Lopez)
Runners (and a dog) during Saturday’s LIC 5k (Photo Alex Lopez)
Runners during the LIC 5K with the Queensboro Bridge in the background (Photo: Alex Lopez)
Runners at The Oval Saturday with the Manhattan skyline in the background (Photo Alex Lopez)
Featured Events
