Running through Atlantic Beach

Community Chest’s 5K on Sept. 6

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Five Towns Community Chest will kick off the Southwest Nassau Race Series by holding its fifth annual 5K Run and Family Walk on Sunday, Sept. 6. 

The Southwest Nassau Race Series is comprised of Community Chest’s event along with the Inwood 5K Run on Oct. 11, the Malverne 5K Run for Education on Oct. 18, and the Lynbrook Fly with the Owls 4-Mile Run/Walk on Nov. 14

Community Chest’s run will begin and end at the Atlantic Beach boardwalk by the Sunny Atlantic Beach Club and will proceed through the streets of Atlantic Beach. The 5K race gun sounds at 8:30 a.m. In the past the race has been run through Woodmere, North Woodmere, Hewlett and Lawrence. 

“It’s been our policy and our pleasure to rotate areas in the neighborhoods,” said Chest Executive Director Bob Block. “It allows us reach out to the different neighborhoods and show the community we are one.” 

Participants can register online at FiveTownsCommunityChest.org or at Start2Finish.com. The preregistration fee is $20 until Sept. 1 and $25 afterwards as well as on race day. There is a family rate — minimum of three — for $35. 

The money raised helps Community Chest support 24 different organizations and agencies, including the Five Towns Community Center, the New Horizons Counseling Center and its own Neighbors in Need program. 

Awards will recognize the top overall men’s and women’s finishers as well as first, second and third place in each age division. Children under 12 receive a medal of honor for taking part in the event. 

“The 5K allows participants to experience pockets of our Five Towns community that they might not have been previously familiar with,” said Chest’s Steven Spiro. “As a runner, I can tell you that it’s very enjoyable running in areas that I wouldn’t ordinarily. That said, the event isn’t only for runners. Walkers are welcome.”  

For more information, call Community Chest at (516) 347-5800.