Education Foundation’s annual 5k returns next month

Runners, get ready to wake up bright and early and hear “on your mark, get set, go” for a scenic run in East Rockaway.

On April 6 at 8:30 a.m., get your running shoes ready for the East Rockaway Education Foundation’s 8th annual 5k run/walk. The event, which is rain or shine, will start at 130 Hewlett Point Ave. in East Rockaway. Not only will this run make you physically feel good, but participants will also be helping fund programs at East Rockaway School District.

Vera Gallagher, director of EREF, explained that the 5k will start and end at the parking lot by the bay at Hewlett Point Avenue. The company Elite Feats will be at the event to time the runners. She noted that the auxiliary police will be there as well to help coordinate the race.

“We will have a nice mix between children, parents, teachers, the track club, and students who are trying to get volunteer hours,” Gallagher said.

The registration for the 5k is $30 and all of the proceeds at this event will support local students. The run has raised over $35,000 to support grants and scholarship programs for the students of East Rockaway schools.

“An example of grants approved includes material for grade 3 to 6 Art Club on the Move,” Gallagher noted in a release. “Another example is compasses for orienteering that incorporate real-life geography skills.”

As reported on the EREF website, “Smartboards, robotics and science lab equipment, innovative seating and furniture, author visits, makerspace materials, and scholarships have been funded by our grant program.”

Last year, there were 120 registered runners with a total of $12,684 raised. A majority of the funding came from local sponsors. This year’s 5k sponsors, so far, will include Veolia; Bagel Gourmet; Carney, Pacheco & Frangiosa, P.C; Certified Public Accountants; Sterling Pierce; and Capital Market Advisories.

“Our hope for this year is that we will have more runners,” Gallagher said.

Gallagher said that the event is also a walk so people who want to bring their kids in strollers, people in wheelchairs, or people who just don’t want to run can participate in this event.

“Preparation for the 5k includes not eating too much before the run, stretch before and after, wear the correct footwear, and prepare for the weather by dressing in layers if needed,” Gallagher said. 

You can sign up for the 5k at Events.EliteFeats.com/24eref.