Annual East End Autumn 5K Being Held In Honor Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A vibrant sea of pink will sprint and stroll through Shelter Island when the 19th Annual Shelter Island 5K Run/Walk, a USA track and field certified course, takes place on Saturday, October 20. The 5K commences and ends at the idyllic Crescent Beach.

At 11 a.m., participants will embark on a scenic course that begins on a picturesque tree-lined street with gorgeous fall foliage.

Held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), funds raised through the 19th Annual Shelter Island 5K Run/Walk supports the North Fork Breast Health Coalition, the Coalition for Women’s Breast Health at Southampton Hospital and Lucia’s Angels.

“The Shelter Island 5K promotes awareness about the importance of early detection of breast and gynecological cancers, as well as raising money to help women and their families in our local East End community who are fighting cancer,” Susan Barry Roden, Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital President and Lucia’s Angels Vice President, noted. “I am always devastated when someone says to me ‘I could have used your help. But I didn’t know your organization existed.'”

The top male and female finishers, as well as the first place breast cancer survivor runner and walker respectively will be awarded a medal. The team that recruits the most participants will also receive prizes.

“Kindness, compassion and charity to our neighbors, not only strengthens our community today, but future generations involved in helping will continue on this positive path,” MaryEllen Adipietro, race director, relayed. “Together we can.”

The 5K Run/Walk will offer a free shuttle bus that will run from the North Ferry to registration between 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The return shuttle from the finish to the North Ferry will be available until 1 p.m.

Prior to the race, there will be an open stretch clinic that begins at 10 a.m.

Following the 5K, there will be a complimentary post-race barbeque that will feature the race’s infamous chili, BBQ, cookies and more. There will also be a raffle, with over 20 prizes, that benefits Lucia’s Angels.

“The 5K alerts people living not only on Shelter Island, but on both forks, about the services we offer and reminds them they are not alone on their cancer journey,” Roden added.

The entry fee is $35 for adults, $15 for kids 14-and-under in advance, and free for children five-and-under. Registration on the day of the event is $40 for adults and $20 for kids. The first 500 participants will receive race shirts and goody bags, while all walkers and runners will receive free race photos. The 5K is dog and stroller friendly.

For more information, visit www.shelterislandfall5k.com or call 631-774-9499.