By Gina Martinez
Guardians of Flushing Bay is hosting its second annual 5K on the Bay Fun Run.
The run will be held this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will raise funds for the non-profit organization, which advocates for a clean and healthy Flushing Bay.
The Guardians is a coalition of dragon boaters, environmental enthusiasts, community members, and advocates working toward an environmentally sound Flushing Bay. The Guardians’ mission also includes fighting for accessible and inviting waterways — from the Flushing Bay promenade and World’s Fair Marina to Flushing Creek and College Point.
Korin Tangtrakul, coordinator at Guardians of Flushing Bay, said last year’s event was successful and they expect the same this year. At the first 5K, more than 100 people attended and they raised over $2,000. The funds generated by the event help Guardians with staffing and to promote awareness of the waterfront.
“We also think the event is a great opportunity for the community to have a reason to come to the waterfront,” Tangtrakul said. “The people who live in the neighborhood don’t use it as much as they should, and we think the 5K is a way for them to experience it and enjoy it.”
In an effort to ensure the event has a minimal impact on the environment, the organization will be composting with the help of The New York City Compost Project. The organization said it will be composting all the food from the event, and recycling all cups from the water station to push for environmental sustainability.
Guardians of Flushing Bay said they hope this is one of the many events they will hold at the waterfront that will bring awareness about the bay.
“We want this event to be accessible to everyone so donations are based on what you can pay,” she said. “Guardians of Flushing Bay is a great organization to support. We’re new and Flushing Bay hasn’t had a coordinated advocacy group before. We think we’re a huge asset to community. It’s been ignored for a long time, even though it’s a unique and under-utilized asset in the community.
To register for the event, visit www.queensbp.org/event/5k-on-the-bay-fun-run-on-flushing-bay/.
Check in begins at 8 a.m.
Runners will start at the Flushing Bay Promenade and finish at the promenade after turning around by LaGuardia Airport.
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
