The LIC Waterfront 5K will be back at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, in Long Island City — rain or shine.
The 5K was shifted to a virtual format in 2020, but organizers are excited to invite runners down the Long Island City waterfront once again.
There will also be children’s dashes on Center Boulevard immediately after the 5K. The 5K is organized by the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) in partnership with the Woodside-Sunnyside Runners and Run LIC running groups. All proceeds from the event go to HPPC, a nonprofit organization that takes care of community parks, trees and natural areas.
“We could not be more excited to host this much-anticipated event,” said Rob Basch, president of HPPC. “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 will begin on Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue, going through the commercial district on Vernon Boulevard and all the way over to Queensbridge Park. Then it will loop back to the starting line by passing through Gantry Plaza State Park and along Hunter’s Point South Park.
Woodside-Sunnyside Runners said their members are looking forward to the event.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with the Hunters Point Park Conservatory to bring back the LIC Waterfront 5K, which is believed by the community,” the group said. “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.”
Sabrina Chin, a leader with Run LIC and a co-organizer of the event, said she is also looking forward to the 5K after this past year.
“After such a challenging year like this past one, race day will be the perfect opportunity to get everyone back out there running again,” Chin said. “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.”
Medals will be presented to the fastest three men and women. Ribbons will also be awarded to children who complete the Center Boulevard Dash.
The event costs $25 for adults and $15 for children who register before Aug. 18. Prices will increase by $5 after Aug. 18.
Participants will also receive a race T-shirt and free swag-bag items for adults who register before Sept. 4.
To register for the 5K or children’s Center Boulevard Dash, visit events.elitefeats.com/licwaterfront21.
All registrants will receive their results online with photographs and videos of them crossing the finish line.
