Shelter Island 5K Run/Walk Celebrating 20th Anniversary

The Shelter Island 5K Run/Walk, a USA track and field certified course, hold its 20th annual race on Saturday, October 19. Held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the yearly run/walk champions the North Fork Breast Health Coalition, the Coalition for Women’s Breast Health at Southampton Hospital and Lucia’s Angels.

“Our t- shirt motto says: ‘Not today Cancer…’ I believe 20 years of this event, raising funds for direct patient/family assistance and a community on Shelter Island and the East End of merging as one to pay it forward and make a difference that we all are able to see – our community knows friends, families, neighbors that have benefited from the Shelter Island 5K Run/ Walk,” race director, Mary Ellen Adipietro relayed.

The 2019 Shelter Island 5K Run/Walk will commence at 11 a.m. Walkers and runners will traverse a scenic course – complete with plenty of gorgeous fall foliage – that begins on a beautiful tree-lined street and culminates along the picturesque Crescent Beach. Prior to the race, an open stretch clinic starts at 10 a.m.

All proceeds from the morning will support the local breast health organizations’ patient care. “This event has raised over $600,000 for the North Fork Breast Health Coalition, The Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Stony Brook/ Southampton Hospital and Lucia’s Angels,” Adipietro said.

“The Shelter Island 5K has always been one of my favorite events,” Susie Roden, Coalition for Women’s Cancers Founder, added. “It’s not just because of the beautiful route the run/walk takes, which is breathtaking, especially in the fall. It’s also because of the fun-spirited and generous people that make this event happen- from Dr. Frank with his slap-stick remarks over the loudspeakers to the cooks dolling out their home-made and most delicious turkey chili.”

After completing the course, runners and walkers can relax during the post-race barbeque, which will feature the event’s infamous chili, BBQ, cookies and more. There will also be a raffle with over 20 prizes that benefits Lucia’s Angels.

The top male and female finishers, as well as the first place breast cancer survivor runner and walker, respectively, will be recognized with medals. The team with the most participants will also be awarded.

“Our Run/Walk is special we encourage all to come on October 19th and experience the caring and neighborhood of love,” Adipietro reflected.

There will be a complimentary shuttle bus from the North Ferry to registration between 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. A return shuttle will be available from the finish to the North Ferry until 1 p.m.

Registration is $35 for adults and $15 for kids 14-and-under in advance. Registration on the day of is $40 for adults and $20 for kids. Children five-and-under are free. The first 500 participants will receive race shirts and goody bags, and all participants will receive free race photos.

For more information, visit www.shelterislandfall5k.com.