May 19, 2017 Staff Report
More than 1,000 people have signed up to participate in this year’s LIC Post ‘Run the Waterfront’ 5K, with organizers saying the event is on track to being a sellout.
The charity run/walk, in its second year, is scheduled for Saturday, June 3 at 8:30 am, and the number of participants is being capped at 1,500.
“There is a great deal of excitement about the 5K 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.”
The inaugural event sold out days before the run. The number of runners/walkers in 2016 was capped at 1,200 last year.
Like last year, the 5K will start next to Hunters Point South Park. Participants will then go through the shopping district on Vernon Boulevard and all the way over to Queensbridge Park (see map for route). The course will then loop back around and runners/walkers will get to go through Gantry Plaza State Park on their way to the finish line.
After the 5K, children’s dashes are scheduled to held on Center Boulevard. This year, more than 150 kids have already signed up, reflecting its popularity last year.
The event will cost $25 for adults and $15 for children. Participants will receive a race T-shirt and swag-bag items.
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.
“Given the expected turnout, this year’s event is going to be even more successful than last year’s,” 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.”
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. “It’s hard to beat a course that takes place on the waterfront providing Manhattan views.”
There will be medals presented to the fastest three men and women in various age categories. There will also be awards for children.
The day will include a post-race party with live music, food and drinks available at LIC Landing.
Many companies have come forward to sponsor the event.
Platinum Sponsors: Plaxall, Metro Orthodontics, Foodcellar Market, Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry
Gold Sponsors: NYC Ferry, Related Companies, Crossfit Gantry, Kenseal, Rockrose, Dutch, Factory House, Rick Rosa Group
Silver Sponsors: Modern Spaces, Manducatis Rustica, M&T Bank, Yoga Room/Workout Factory, New City Church
Bronze Sponsors: 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 and State Sen. Mike Gianaris
Photo credit: Rodrigo Salazar
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