5K race returns to Kissena Park

The ninth annual Quantum Feet Road Runners Club 5K race/walk is returning to its new home in beautiful Kissena Park with an improved course, according to organizers.
The 3.1 mile race, to be held on Sunday June 8, starts at 9 a.m. near the field house, close to the intersection of 164th Street and Oak Avenue. Race day registration will be between 7:30 and 8:45 a.m. In the event of rain, they’ll have a tent for the registration area.
The course takes two loops around the park, starting and finishing near the field house. Runners get to enjoy the scenery, without venturing near the street.
“We are modifying the course slightly this year,” said Whitestone resident Eric Erskine, president of the club and race director. “Last year there was some construction going on - there was a sharp turn that the runners didn’t like,” Erskine said, adding that otherwise, the course is “virtually the same.”
In his first year as director of the event, Erskine succeeds the club’s vice president, Dominic Ortiz, who directed the race for eight years. The club’s 30 members volunteer in some capacity before, during and after the event.
“The race should be a good one,” said Ortiz, who’s expecting “Some of our past runners and even winners back.” He pointed out that it isn’t just for runners. “I’ll be walking,” he said.
A portion of the proceeds from the event goes to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Breast Cancer Foundation, according to Erskine. “Because we have one breast cancer survivor in the group, it was a good idea to help out this charity,” he said.
The club offers awards to the top three male and female overall finishers and awards to the three leading finishers in 13 age/sex categories.
“We’re shooting for 200 runners, including some of high school age,” Erskine said. After the 5K, there will be a fun run for kids.
For seven years, the group held the race in Fresh Meadows, on the second Sunday in June. Last year, they moved the venue to the park in Flushing, but retained the date.
According to Erskine, they’ve had “a lot of positive feedback” about the move to the park. “The course is very pretty and we hope that all the runners enjoy our race,” he said.
They’re looking forward to a good turnout for a good cause. For more information, visit their web site at www.QFRRC.org