Run 'Around The World' Without Leaving Queens: Charity 5K This Weekend

QUEENS, NY — An annual run raising money for epilepsy awareness will take over 1,000 participants around the world — all without leaving northeast Queens.

The Around the World 5K, benefiting and organized by the Joanna Sophia Foundation, will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church parking lot (on the edge of Bayside) ending 3.1 miles later at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone.

Now in its third year, the fun run-slash-walk benefits the foundation in raising awareness about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a condition that caused then 9-year-old Joanna Sophia's death in 2018.

SUDEP has no cure, but the foundation — started by Joanna's family — has raised tens-of-thousands of dollars for families struggling to pay epilepsy-related hospital bills, in part through partnership with the Cameron Boyce Foundation

Saturday's race is part of those efforts, as tickets for the event start at $30, with proceeds going to the foundation. Over 1,000 people are expected to attend and participate, according to organizers.

The race largely charts a path down Francis Lewis Boulevard, but participants will experience musical performances from different cultures along the way — including bagpipes, accordions, bouzouki and more.

The cultural entertainment and food continues at the finish line with performances and food booths, organizers said.

Find out more about the event, including how to gain a last-minute entry, here.