LIC Post 5K Postponed to October; Virtual Run to Take Place in June

2019 5K Photo: Queens Post

May 1, 2020 By Allie Griffin

The fifth annual LIC Post 5K scheduled for June 6 has been postponed until Oct. 17.

The 5K, like all city-permitted events and large gatherings, is not permitted to take place in June as the city looks to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“We are disappointed that the event has had to be postponed but we agree that it is in the best interest of everyone to hold it later in the year. Safety is the most important thing,” said Christian Murray, publisher of the Queens Post and a co-founder of the event.

The 5K 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. The event organizers will automatically transfer those who have already signed up to the new date.

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.

Registrants who cannot run on Oct. 17 can request a full refund or choose to donate the funds to HPPC.

2018 LIC Post Waterfront 5K (Photo by RIchard Calvache)

“We are looking forward to the new date,” said Rob Basch, president of the HPPC and 5K co-founder. “Hopefully the city will reopen by then and we can have the event. I’m sure people will have the urge to get out.”

The organizers are also offering a virtual 5K, where registrants can run on their own anytime from June 6 through the following week. The event is free to those who have registered for the outdoor event.

Runners who want to participate in the virtual 5K in June can run anywhere they choose beginning June 6 or the week after.

Participants are encouraged to visit https://elitefeats.com/results/ closer to the date to find their name, enter their time and upload an optional selfie for the virtual run.

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.

“Virtual runs are always good fun,” said Ann Sansaricq, a leader with the Woodside-Sunnyside Runners and race co-founder. “However, we are looking forward to October where we can all get outside and run along the waterfront.”
All runners registered for the original June date are already registered for the virtual run.
Participants in the virtual run 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.