The second Michael Elferis Memorial Run, named after the New York City Firefighter who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, is set for June 7 in College Point.
The 5K race, conducted by the College Point Road Runners Club, will start at 10:00 a.m. outside of MacNeil Park on Fifth Avenue and College Point Boulevard, go two loops and finish within the Park near the Park House.
It's an age group event for runners open to anybody who is in condition to run the 3.1 mile course. There will be plenty of awards from 14 and under to 70 and over. The first three age group finishers will receive awards.
Brian McLoughlin is the race director. It is organized, timed and scored by the College Point Road Runners Club.
“My idea to have such a race is to bring his memory back,” said McLoughlin, who played soccer at Holy Cross High School and is Vice President of the First Sports Soccer Club of College Point. “We hope to make this race an annual event.”
In addition to the 5K, there will be a children's fun run.
Registration will be held at the Park House from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
The late Michael Elferis was a former hockey player inthe College Point Roller Hockey League. He went on to play an integral role in the success of the league as a player and coach until his untimely death at the age of 27. The first race in his honor was held in 2003.
In memory of him, the Elferis Family Foundation has been established. For further information about the foundation, or donations call 718-746-6703, 917-859-6411 or 917-589-6867.
Anybody wishing to make contributions may make check payable to Michael Elferis Memorial Foundation and mail to Post Office Box 560426, College Point, New York 11356.
The first of the 'big' road races here in Queens is the Alley Pond Striders 5-mile challenge with the gun going off at 9:30 a.m. with the fun run Sunday starting on Winchester Boulevard north of Union Turnpike and ending within the park.
