Wednesday, October 10, 2012

'Race for Our Community': A Run/Walk for Good


RUN; walk solo, or dog-walk.

That is all Community Access is asking of those who sign up for "Race for Our Community," an event the agency is billing as New York City's very first 5K-run/One-mile walk/Dog walk. The games begin on Saturday (13 Oct.).

It's all good fun for a good cause. Funds (via pledges and registration fees; dogs walk free) from all of the exertion will help Community Access continue its mission of helping those suffering from mental illness stay off the streets, out of shelters and on the road to recovery. (See short film above, introduced by Gabby Sidibe, about the work of the nonprofit.)

It should be noted that those who take the challenge to run/walk or for those who feel a bit faint at the notion, are not without resources. On the Community Access Web site are links to any number of tips to get one through Saturday or any other day. Resources tend along the lines of advice for new runners and injury prevention (http://www.bit.ly/Qc1diu).

After registration (9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.), the running and walking get started at 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., respectively. The run/walk route is along the Battery Park esplanade, which provides views of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. The esplanade is a tree-lined path along the Hudson River with discreet landscaping and public art installations.

Illustration of the Race for Our Community walk/race route. Illustration from Community Access.

The festivities don't stop when the walk comes to an end. They continue with a four-hour block party that is free and open to the public – even the part that doesn't run, walk, or otherwise lift a finger to help "Race for Our Community." Partygoers can enjoy food, prizes, dog costume contests, giveaways, games and various entertainments on a stage set up especially for the occasion.

Sounds like high times.

Visit http://www.raceforourcommunity.org to learn more about Race for our Community and Community Access, including registration and pledge information. Visit http://www.communityaccess.org/ to learn more about Community Access.

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