Early arrivals at 2nd Annual LIC Post Waterfront 5K (Steven Speliotis)
May 28, 2019 Staff Report
Close to 1,500 runners and walkers of all ages are expected to arrive at Hunters Point South Park this Saturday for the fourth annual LIC Post Waterfront 5K.
The number of people who have registered for the charity run/walk – scheduled for Saturday, June 1 at 9 a.m. – is higher this year than in any year since the event’s inception.
(Instagram: jasonssilverstein)
“We have been staggered by how many people have signed up this year,” said Christian Murray, publisher of the LIC Post, who is organizing the family-friendly 5K with a team of western Queens community-based organizations. “With registration closing soon, those who have been thinking about it should register now.”
The 5K course will start next to Hunters Point South Park by the intersection of Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue. It will then proceed through the neighborhood’s commercial district on Vernon Boulevard all the way to the entrance of Queensbridge Park, then loop back to the starting line by passing through Gantry Plaza State Park.
Parents have already signed up more than 100 kids in this year’s children’s dashes, an immensely popular component of the day which will take place on Center Boulevard immediately following the 5K. Parents or guardians still have time to register children for the dashes.
Ribbons will be awarded to children who participate in the Center Blvd Dash.
There will also be medals presented to the fastest three male and female finishers in the 5K–across a number of age categories.
(Photography by Richard Calvache)
The LIC Post Waterfront 5K is a charitable event, with all of its proceeds going to the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC), a nonprofit group that was formed 21 years ago as Friends of Gantry State Park. The group’s stated mission is 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 sponsorship and registration will be used by the Conservancy to support events and programming in the parks and for upkeep and maintenance of both Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park.
“Each year the event exceeds our expectations,” said Robert Basch, President of the HPPC and an event organizer. “The run has become a Long Island City tradition that we are proud to be part of, and we are grateful to receive annual support from the business community, residents, elected officials, the city and state parks departments and the 108th Precinct.”
Ann Sansaricq and Czarinna Andres, co-organizers of the event, say they are not surprised by the growth in popularity of the annual run/walk.
“Long Island City is one of the best places in the world to run,” Sansaricq, who represents Woodside-Sunnyside Runners, said. “It’s hard to beat a course that takes place on the waterfront and provides a perfect view of Manhattan.”
The day will include a post-race party with live music, food and drinks available at LIC Landing.
The Woodside-Sunnyside Runners, Sunnyside Community Services and RUN LIC are serving as race day organizers and volunteer coordinators for this year’s event.
Thirty new and returning sponsors have pitched in this year to help support the 4th Annual LIC Post Waterfront 5K. They are:
Premier Sponsor: Major World
Diamond Sponsors: ProHEALTH Dental LIC, Weill Cornell Medicine Primary Care
Platinum Sponsors: Plaxall, Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry LIC, The Skillman
Gold: Corcoran, Related, Rockrose, NYC Ferry, Boyce Technologies, Crossfit Gantry
Silver: Gotham, Modern Spaces, Silvercup Studios, NYC Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, M&T Bank, Manducatis Rustica, Workout Factory, Yoga Room, LIC Veterinary Center, Foodcellar Market, LIC Dental Associates, New City Church
Bronze: Zog Sports, SHI, Woodbines, Jackson’s Eatery, NY State Senator Michael Gianaris, NY State Assembly Member Catherine Nolan
Additional Support By: Sunnyside Community Services, NYC Parks Department, NYS Department of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, 108th Police Precinct
Registration for the 5K and the children’s dashes are available here until the link expires.
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One Comment
Are the streets going to be closed completely or partially? I’ve searched online and cannot find anything.