5K race returns to Long Island City

After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LIC Waterfront 5K run and walk is returning for its sixth year. The event will be held this coming Saturday, September 18, rain or shine at 9 a.m. and is open to both runners and walkers.
Children’s dashes will also be available for younger runners.
The LIC Waterfront 5K is organized by the Hunters Point Park Conservancy in partnership with the local running groups Woodside-Sunnyside Runners and Run LIC.
Founded in 1998, the Hunter’s Point Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and improving the waterfront of Long Island City. All proceeds from the 5K will go towards the conservancy’s ongoing efforts.
“We could not be more excited to host this much-anticipated event,” said Rob Basch, president of the Hunters Point Park Conservancy. “The last 15 months have been challenging, but getting our community together for a fun and healthy event will be very uplifting. We look forward to seeing everyone on the 18th to participate in the best waterfront run anywhere.”
The race itself offers runners and walkers a rare opportunity to be on the roads of Long Island City, taking in the areas sights and sounds. The course begins on Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue before proceeding through the commercial district on Vernon Boulevard all the way over to Queensbridge Park.
Participants will then loop back to the starting line by passing through Gantry Plaza State Park and along Hunter’s Point South Park.
For runners, the LIC Waterfront 5K is an absolute treat.
“After such a challenging year like this past one, race day will be the perfect opportunity to get everyone back out there running again,” said Sabrina Chin, a leader with Run LIC and one of the event’s co-organizers. “We are incredibly lucky to have such a great park in our backyard, and are looking forward to the sense of pride, accomplishment, and community in the air at the finish line as runners and adorable kids take their strides.”
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy to bring back the LIC Waterfront 5K, which is beloved by the community,” said a spokesperson from the Woodside-Sunnyside Runners. “It’s great to give back to the local parks that are meaningful to us, especially during the pandemic when open spaces were our safe places.”
The LIC Waterfront 5K will follow the current CDC and New York State guidelines for outdoor events, ensuring the safety of those participating.
Interested runners and walkers can register for the event ahead of time at the cost of $30 per adult and $20 per child. The top three men and women to finish will receive medals, while all participating children will receive ribbons. All registrants will receive a limited-edition T-shirt commemorating the race and will have their pictures taken while crossing the finish line.
The Hunters Point Park Conservancy holds various events in addition to the 5K, including yoga classes, concerts, and children’s programming throughout the year. Most recently the group relaunched CinemaLIC, a series of outdoor movie screenings along the waterfront that was also postponed for a year due to COVID.