Lace Up Your Sneakers For These Fall East End Virtual 5Ks

Many beloved fall East End 5K are still taking place this autumn – but due to COVID-19, they will be held virtually this year.

Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) has organized a month-long Family Walk-A-Thon. Anytime in September, participants can map out their own 5K walk, run, or bike course in support of CMEE’s Food Pantry, which serves nearly 70 families every week. Registration starts at $75 per family, which provides an entire week of groceries for one family. For more information, visit www.cmee.org.

The 2020 Long Island Heart Walk Digital Experience will take place Monday, September 28 through Saturday, October 3. The American Heart Association fundraiser will champion the fight against heart disease and stroke. For more information, visit www2.heart.org.

The New York Marine Rescue Center will also host a month-long 5K. Run for the Ridley Virtual – the 23rd Annual Run to Help Save the Sea Turtles – can take place anytime, any place, from Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 31. Registration is $25, which will support the Center’s rescue, rehabilitate and release efforts of marine species. For more information, visit nymarinerescue.org. To register, visit runfortheridley5k.itsyourrace.com.

Veterinarians International (VI) will host its first-ever “Healthy Steps For Healthy Pets” Walk-A-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, October 3. Participants – both humans and their four-legged family members – are encouraged to walk 0.5 miles. Registration starts at $25 and will support the non-profit’s mission of providing veterinary assistance and education to better the health and well-being of animals and their communities globally. For more information, visit healthystepsforhealthypets.com.

The annual Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. (ARF) “Stroll to the Sea” Dog Walk, presented by Chaser and The Corcoran Group, will be held Saturday, October 3 to Sunday, October 11. For the 27th iteration, participants may enjoy a seaside stroll or select a destination of their choice. As per usual, this year’s t-shirt boasts artwork by designer Isaac Mizrahi. Registration is $30 and $10 for children 10 and under. For more information, visit arfhamptons.org.

While not a 5K, i-tri girls will host their annual autumn Ride & Wine event on Saturday, October 10 (rain date: October 11). Participants can choose either a 10 mile or 30 mile ride, as well as if they want to solely ride, ride and take a boxed lunch to-go, or ride and then enjoy a sit-down boxed lunch and wine-tasting (limited to 40 guests). The starting location is 1947 Scuttle Hole Road in Bridgehampton and arrival opens at 8 a.m. For more information, visit itrigirls.org.

The 21st Annual Shelter Island 5K Run/Walk will take place virtually. Walkers and runners can upload their times – and photos – from Saturday, October 17 through Sunday, October 25. Registration is $25 and the first 300 participants will receive a Shelter Island 5K Buff. Proceeds will support The North Fork Breast Health Coalition, The Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Southampton Hospital, and Lucia’s Angels. For more information, visit www.shelterislandfall5k.com.