SHA's 5K Run 'More Than Just A Race'

Sacred Heart Academy's "If You Build It, She Will Run" event scheduled for September is more than just a 5K race.

"The day is a celebration of the Sacred Heart Academy community of over 10,000 alumnae, 900 current students, administration, faculty, and staff as well as our expanded campus," according to SHA's website. "The 5K Run/Walk will be held throughout the streets of Hempstead and Garden City, finishing the final lap around the new SHA track."

Garden City trustees unanimously approved the academy's permit request at the July 18 board meeting.

Garden City resident and local attorney Charles Strain, who spoke on behalf of SHA, said, "We just completed the building of an athletic playing field there and probably if not dedicate it that day dedicate it at some point during the fall."

Approximately 10 percent of Sacred Heart Academy students, as well as hundreds of alumni, reside in Garden City, Strain said.

Police commissioner Kenneth Jackson said SHA coordinated the intended race route with the Garden City Police Department and intends to send notices to residents along the route advising them of street closures, police commissioner Kenneth Jackson said. SHA has also been made aware of Garden City's cost requirements for non-village groups wanting to hold an event in Garden City.

The new, regulation athletic turf and half-mile track was blessed by Rev. John Martin as part of the academy's May Crowning celebration. To date, Sacred Heart has invested more than $5 million in surrounding property acquisitions to facilitate campus expansion, including an expanded parking facility in addition to the new field.

For race sponsorship opportunities, click here. Deadline for all sponsorship commitments is Aug. 31.