Sprint (Or Stroll) Into Spring During Benefit 5K In Sag Harbor

With bathing suit season right around the corner, now’s the time to start upping your workouts.

If an outdoor run or walk is your method of choice, enjoy the fresh air while supporting a local not-for-profit on Saturday, April 16th during Katy’s Courage sixth annual 5K. The organization was founded to honor Katy Stewart, an inspirational 12-year-old, who lost her battle with a rare form of pediatric liver cancer. The course starts at 21 West Water Street in Sag Harbor, and heads north, makes a right onto Main Street, another right onto Glover Street, travels through the Redwood section of the race and culminates on Water Street.

“The 5K in the Harbor held in Katy’s honor is always a wonderful day, with a great community feeling of friendship and kindness,” explained Brigid Collins, Katy’s mom, who co-founded the not-for-profit. “This is our sixth annual race, and Katy would have been a senior in high school at Pierson in Sag Harbor this year, so it always feels fitting, and particularly in this year, to celebrate Katy with all the people she grew up with and who supported her throughout her journey.”

Over 1,200 attendees, ranging from 4 to 89-years-old, ran, jogged or walked in the 2015 5K, which raised over $50,000. “So many people on the East End have given time, energy and dollars to Katy’s Courage, and we are always so very appreciative,” noted Collins. “Last summer we launched the program Katy’s Kids @ CMEE, Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Their Families.” Proceeds from the previous year supported high school scholarships that were awarded to local graduating students, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the creation of Katy’s Kids @ CMEE (Children’s Museum of the East End). “We have loved being able to provide support for others who have experienced a loss, and it has been, for us, a true gift,” she shared. “Thank you for helping us to make this happen for East End families.”

Registration and check-in will take place from 7 to 8:15 a.m. and the race will begin at 8:30 a.m. The entry fee is $25 per person in advance and $30 on the day of the 5K. Pre-registration is available online.

Katy’s Courage is dedicated to education, research and grief support for East End-based children, teens and their families. Once again, proceeds from the 5K will benefit Katy’s Kids @ CMEE, the Katy’s Courage Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan and provide scholarships for students in Sag Harbor and East Hampton schools.

“Your contributions helps us do work in education, with research, and with supporting families who need it. Katy’s life inspired so many of her friends and peers, and this always brings us so much solace,” added Collins. “Thank you for coming out this year! Run, walk, stroll….all are welcome! Looking forward to seeing you at the race!”

For more information or to register, visit katyscourage.org.