Port Washington Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Run

The Port Washington Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Run, presented by the Community Chest of Port Washington and the Town of North Hempstead, kicks off the holiday season for its 42nd year.

Many runners, walkers and spectators deem this annual event as a highlight of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Join family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the giving spirit as proceeds from this race provide funds to help the Community Chest give grants to eligible charities serving the people of Port.

“While runners pay a registration fee--often making extra donations--and participate with open hearts to help their neighbors, the generosity of our sponsors is truly staggering,” Julie Meer Harnick, Community Chest Executive Director, said in a press release. "Without the revenue from this event, we would NOT be able to keep grant funding at current levels.”

The race takes place Thursday, Nov. 23 at Manorhaven Beach Park, located at 80 Manorhaven Boulevard in Port Washington. Start time is 8:30 a.m.

The 5 mile race is mostly flat with one challenging slope, making it fitting for both beginner and experienced runners. As this is a USATF sanctioned race, baby strollers, skateboards, bicycles and dogs are not permitted. The run is held in all weather unless the police close the roads. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, the run will not be rescheduled.

Early bird registration fees are $35 for adults and $25 for ages 9 to 21. Fees for the race go up on Nov. 21. Early registration is strongly recommended. Register at www.RunSignUp.com or visit www.portchest.org/calendar to download a paper application.

Race packet pick up is on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. and on race day from 7 to 8:25 a.m. at the Port Washington Senior Citizen Center, located at 80 Manorhaven Boulevard in Port Washington.

The Community Chest encourages runners to bring non-perishable food items, local area grocery store gift cards or prepaid credit cards to the race packet pick up for donation to the Our Lady of Fatima Food Pantry. Organizations who are interested in donating items to the Our Lady of Fatima Food Pantry can contact Sr. Kathy directly at (516) 883-3903.

The Community Chest aids 26 nonprofit organizations who serve Port Washington residents and provides low cost rent to nonprofit organizations in their building.

All registered finishers will receive a long-sleeved commemorative t-shirt and a race medal. Awards based on gun time will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each age division, male and female and to the top three male and female athletes overall.

Runners and walkers alike can enter in a pie raffle at Race Packet Pick Up and 200 lucky winners will go home with a delicious farm-fresh Apple Pie courtesy of the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation.

Volunteers (16 years old+) are always needed for this community-wide event. All volunteers will receive a long-sleeved race t-shirt to thank them for their time and efforts. Questions about the Thanksgiving Day Run should be directed to info@portchest.org or 767-2121.

Current race sponsors are T-shirt sponsor: Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation, Gold Sponsors: Baker Air and TD Bank, Apple Sponsor: Port Washington General Dentistry, Water Sponsor: Ready Fresh by Nestle, Silver Sponsors: Biener Audi, Harding Real Estate, Ruben Ganci Smile Designs, Stop & Shop and WAC Lighting Bronze Sponsors: 3 V Dental, A & F Meat Market, Anthony's World of Floors, Arena Sport & Graphics, Bott's Service Center, Cow Bay Contracting, Gulfway Marine,Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Island Photography, James Cowles Architect, Mole Mole Mexican Grill, Annette Jaffe Interiors, NY Environmental, North Shore Garden Center, Om Sweet Om Yoga, Port Washington Animal Hospital, Port Washington Federal Credit Union, Power Ten Fitness, Rbest Produce, Sands Point Center for Health & Rehabilitation, Schmergel Enterprises, Shake-N-Go Fashion, Sylvan of Port Washington, Training Station Athletic Clubs, Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace, Vastgood Properties LLC, Yoga Life and The Wedding Company.

Images via The Community Chest of Port Washington