Overview The Mary Ruchalski Foundation 5K raises money for pediatric cancer research and supports families impacted by pediatric cancer. It’s a cause with deep personal roots — the foundation was started in memory of Mary Ruchalski, and the race has the kind of genuine community warmth that comes with that kind of history. It runs…
Overview The East Rockaway Education Foundation 5K is a community fundraiser for the East Rockaway Education Foundation, which supports local schools and educational programs. It runs at Hewlett Point Beach in East Rockaway — a waterfront park setting that’s a step up from your average road 5K backdrop. The race is straightforward and welcoming. First…
Overview The Easter Bunny 5K is one of the Long Island Road Runners Club’s annual holiday races, and it’s got the relaxed, community feel that all LIRRC events tend to have. It runs Easter Sunday morning at Eisenhower Park, which makes it a nice way to start the holiday before whatever family commitments come later…
Overview The US Coffee 4 Mile is a charity run along the Long Beach Boardwalk benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, specifically Team McIntyre. US Coffee, the local sponsor, donates all proceeds to LLS cancer research, so this one has a clear and genuine purpose behind it. The course runs the length of the Long…
Overview The Glue Loop is put on by the Glue Factory, a Brooklyn running crew, and it’s one of the more distinctive road races in the area. The course is simple: one counterclockwise lap of Prospect Park, 3.36 miles, starting and finishing at the southernmost point of the loop. The finish has a nice downhill…
Overview The Bunny Trail 5K is one of those races that’s just genuinely fun. It’s a spring trail race at Bethpage State Park organized by the Never Stop Running Foundation, and it has a distinct personality compared to most of the road 5Ks on Long Island. You start on the open polo field, hit the…
Overview Building Homes for Heroes is a Long Island-based nonprofit that provides mortgage-free homes to injured veterans, first responders, and their families. It started right here, grew out of the aftermath of 9/11, and most people on Long Island still don’t know it’s in their backyard. This 5K is one of their main local fundraising…
Overview The Massapequa Park Mile is one of the oldest active one mile road races on Long Island, and it’s been running for over 30 years. That kind of history means the race has a real community feel to it. It’s organized by Massapequa Road Runners, and you’ll see a mix of competitive runners chasing…