LIC’s Annual Waterfront 5K Draws Nearly 1500 Runners, Most Successful Run to Date – Long Island City Post

Photo: Queens Post

June 4, 2019 Staff Report

Nearly 1,500 runners participated in the annual LIC Post Waterfront 5K on Saturday, the most successful run the organizers have had since it began four years ago.

The event drew participants young and old, with the oldest runners being in their 70s. The children’s dash, held immediately after the 5K, drew nearly 200 children, including dozens of 2-and 3-year-old’s.

“The event this year was a big hit,” said Christian Murray, Publisher of the LIC Post, who co-organizers the run with the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy and the Woodside Sunnyside Runners. “Word is out that this is a fun, community event and great for families. It has become a tradition.”

Photo: Jeff Walters Photography

The annual run is a fundraiser for the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, a neighborhood non-profit which organizes cleanups, gardening and community events. It helps maintain Long Island City’s waterfront parks in partnership with the NYC Parks Department and the state of New York.

The HPPC estimates that it raised over $60,000 in sponsorship and registration fees after expenses from this year’s event.

“We’re thankful for everyone who registered and spent their Saturday morning with us at the parks, and we are happy to see that so many stayed after the event to enjoy the beautiful day in Long Island City,” said Rob Basch, President of the HPPC. “We’re also extremely grateful to all the new and returning sponsors that reached out this year to support the work we do at the waterfront.”

Firefighter Runs in Full Gear (Photo: Jeff Walters Photography)

The first male athlete to cross the finish line was Kerome Bramwell, with a time of 16 minutes and 43 seconds, while the top female runner, Caroline Lefrak, came in at 17 minutes and 34 seconds.

However, for the majority of participants, the event was seen as non-competitive, and provided an opportunity for a friendly jog with friends in an area best know for its stunning waterfront views.

Ann Sansaricq, a co-organizer of the event with the Woodside-Sunnyside Runners, said that the 5K went very smoothly this year.

“We had dozens of volunteers out this year, guiding participants around our great waterfront,” Sansaricq said.

Children’s Dash Photo: Jeff Walters Photography

This year, Sunnyside Community Services, led by Czarinna Andres, also provided volunteers and helped with logistical support.

Several groups turned out for the run this year, including teams from CrossFit Gantry, Boyce Technologies, the Queens Distance Runners, Hellgate Road Runners and more.

Food Cellar’s Metin Mangut was also in the park, while his son ran in the children’s dash. Cross Fit Gantry’s Jay Hachadoorian participated with coaches from his Cross Fit gym. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and five of his staffers participated as well.

Several elected officials spoke at the event as part of the introductions. They included U.S Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, New York State Senator Michael Gianaris and NYC Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer. NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver also spoke.

The national anthem was sung by Woodside-Sunnyside Runners’ Heather Laurel, followed by a blow of the starting horn by recently-crowned Mrs. New York USA, Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge.

Timing, registration and other services were provided this year by elitefeats. For a complete list of timing results, divided by overall ranking and age groups, click here.

Photo: Queens Post

The sponsors of this year’s event were:

Premier Sponsor: Major World

Diamond Sponsors: ProHEALTH Dental LIC, Weill Cornell Medicine Primary Care

Platinum Sponsors: Plaxall, Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry LIC, The Skillman

Gold: Corcoran, Related, Rockrose, NYC Ferry, Boyce Technologies, Crossfit Gantry

Silver: Gotham, Modern Spaces, Silvercup Studios, NYC Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, M&T Bank, Manducatis Rustica, Workout Factory, Yoga Room, LIC Veterinary Center, Foodcellar Market, LIC Dental Associates, New City Church

Bronze: Zog Sports, SHI, Woodbines, Jackson’s Eatery, NY State Senator Michael Gianaris, NY State Assembly Member Catherine Nolan

Additional Support By: Sunnyside Community Services, NYC Parks Department, NYS Department of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, 108th Police Precinct

The LIC Post Waterfront 5K, was founded in 2015 as part of a series of community fun runs that its parent company – the Queens Post – holds in different neighborhoods throughout the borough.

The next fun run to be organized by the news organization is the Sunnyside Post Mile, scheduled to take place on October 5.

Woodside Sunnyside Runners (Photo: Jeff Walters Photography)