Runners during the LIC 5K with the Queensboro Bridge in the background (Photo: Alex Lopez)
Apr. 15, 2024 Sponsored Post
Organizers of the LIC Waterfront 5K Run/Walk are encouraging people to sign up for this year’s event before Apr. 22 to take advantage of a $5 discount.
The ninth-annual Waterfront 5K event takes place on June 1, 2024, and is organized by Hunters Point Park Conservancy (HPPC) in partnership with the LIC Post, Woodside-Sunnyside Runners and LIC Run.
Registration is open for the upcoming event, with tickets priced at $30 for adults and $20 for children. Prices will increase by $5 on Earth Day, Monday, Apr. 22.
The 5K has grown in popularity since it was first launched nine years ago, from 1,000 participants in 2015 to over 1,600 participants in each of the last two years.
Rob Basch, President of HPPC, said the event is the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser of the year and will allow HPPC to continue maintaining Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park.
Basch added that the funds will allow the non-profit to organize and manage more than 100 free events in the parks throughout the year.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Basch said. “It allowed us to bring over 100 free events to the parks last summer.”
Basch said the fundraiser will help HPPC run dozens of outdoor events for children, while it will also allow the non-profit to offer free yoga, Zumba and outdoor movies during the warmer months.
He added that the 5K will help HPPC to carry out environmental programming in the parks, pointing to the new Queens Landing Boathouse. HPPC currently operates a number of nature walks from the boathouse, providing education about local ecosystems.
Starting in May, HPPC will also host weekly volunteer events to weed, garden and clean the two parks.
“We really value the work that the New York City and New York State Park Departments do. We value what they bring, but it’s not enough, and we can provide programming,” Basch said. “We advocate for the parks. That’s really important because as good as the city and state people are, there’s only so much that they can do.
“An advocacy group like us is really needed to keep the place safe, clean, and welcoming for all.”
Basch added that the upcoming 5K is an important community event that helps to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The 5K is a rain-or-shine event that welcomes runners and walkers of all ages.
The 2024 race will start at the intersection of Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 1. It will then move through the commercial district on Vernon Boulevard and over Queensbridge Park. The race will then loop back to the starting line by passing through Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunters Point South Park.
The 5K will be followed by children’s dashes along Center Boulevard, which are open to children aged two to nine.
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