May 29, 2020 By Allie Griffin
The fifth annual LIC Post 5K kicks off next month with a “virtual run” supporting the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy.
The 5K typically brings more than 1,500 runners to the Long Island City waterfront each year, as well as hundreds of kids who participate in children’s dashes along Center Boulevard — but will look a little different in June as the coronavirus pandemic has impacted its original setup.
The traditional outdoor 5K has been postponed to Oct. 17 as the city has cancelled all public events and large gatherings through the end of June due to the pandemic.
However, a virtual run is still being held on the original date, June 6, and through the following week. Everyone who registered for the original 5K is automatically registered for the virtual version at no additional cost, as well as the October run.
Participants in the virtual 5K can run on their own time anytime from June 6 through the following week. They can run anywhere they choose.
Beginning June 6, participants can visit the run website to find their name, enter their run time and upload an optional selfie after completing their individual 5K.
Children can also participate in a virtual ‘Kids Dash’ run around their living room, block or to the park and back. Their families can upload the action shots to the website.
Runners can win raffle prizes like elitefeats gear, entries into upcoming races and gift cards to local restaurants.
Registration is still open for those who wish to participate in either the June virtual run or the Oct. 17 5K. Tickets for the LIC Post 5K benefiting Hunters Point Parks Conservancy are $25 and provide admission to both.
All proceeds from the event go to the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC), a nonprofit group whose mission is to enhance and advocate for the green spaces and waterfront of Long Island City and to ensure the parks remain an indispensable asset to the community.