Peconic Baykeeper And CTREE Presenting Benefit 5Ks

Run or stroll for two great causes this weekend when the Peconic Baykeeper holds its 1st annual Alewife Run 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, May 4 and CTREE hosts its annual Giddy Up 5K on Sunday, May 5.

The Alewife Run 5K Fun Run/Walk will take place at Emma Rose Elliston Park (40 Millstone Brook Road, Southampton). Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. and the race will commence at 8:30 a.m.

Participants will embark on a picturesque course that travels the same path that Long Island’s threatened river herring (“alewife”) follow during migration. The $30 registration fee will help fund the Hampton Bays-based non-profit’s river herring observation and restoration efforts and clean water mission.

“River herring are a vital component of our local food chain where they are fed upon by a variety of life including whales, herons, and osprey,” Peconic Baykeeper Peter Topping explained. “Although they spend most of their time in the ocean, they need access to clean fresh water ponds and lakes to breed. Their health locally, represents the functional health of the Peconic Estuary.”

In addition to the 5K, the morning will include the chance to learn more about the local alewife and prizes will be awarded to the first three overall finishers.

For more information, visit peconicbaykeeper.org.

On Sunday, May 5, the annual CTREE Giddy Up 5K, to benefit the Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End, will be held at Sagg Main Beach (Sagg Main Road, Sagaponack). 5Kers can run, walk, hop, skip, or even trot through the beachfront course.

The race is also open to canine companions. The “Top Dog” finisher will even be awarded a special surprise, and all canines are awarded ribbons. The dog friendly event will include an appearance by Southampton Animal Shelter, who will be onsite with their mobile unit and a few special guests.

CTREE, a Premier Accredited member center of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), is a Sagaponack-based not-for-profit that offers therapeutic riding lessons and equine assisted programming to children and adults with emotional, cognitive and physical disabilities.

“All our riders at CTREE have experienced successes,” Karen Bocksel, CTREE Managing Director/Instructor, explained. “Whether it’s the ability to focus more on schoolwork, be more receptively and verbally communicative, or walk across a field on a horse because the rider’s legs can’t, CTREE’s horses and program are the catalysts for astounding achievements.”

Registration is $25 in advance and $30 on the day of. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit www.ctreeny.org.