Runners from throughout the metropolitan area will be putting on their jogging shoes for the third annual Bayonne Harbor 5K run. Not only will runners get a breath of fresh air blowing in from New York Harbor, but also will get great views of New York City and the vicinity.
Formerly called “Run for the Future,” runners from around the region will gather on the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor on Sunday, Sept. 19. The five kilometer run will benefit the Bayonne Hospital Medical Center Foundation.
The presenting sponsor is the Pamrapo Savings Bank, and the media sponsor is The Hudson Reporter newspapers, which includes the Bayonne Community News.
“This is a fundraiser to help benefit programs at the Bayonne Medical Center,” said Vincent Lombardo, the foundation’s director.
During its first year, the event saw about 300 participate in the 5K run. Last year, the event brought out 360 despite a torrential rain.
“Runners come from all over the metropolitan area,” he said.
The site is attractive because the race course is self-contained, with no concerns about traffic or crossing public streets.
“Not to mention the sights,” Lombardo said. “The views of the harbor and ships are beautiful.”
He said the city of Bayonne, the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority, the Bayonne Police Department, McCabe Ambulance and the South Hudson Spiked Shoe Club of Bayonne all contribute to the event and help make it possible.
The event was moved from Saturday to Sunday this year, partly to accommodate the Jewish holidays.
Registration can be done prior to the event
Registration for the event begins at 7:30 a.m. with a 1.5-mile walk scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The Bayonne Harbor 5K will begin at 9:15 a.m.
Fees for the walk and run up to Sept. 14 are $15 per person for the walk or the run, or $13 for those with a USATF membership. Cost for both will be $18 after Sept. 14 and on the day of the races. Registration forms came be obtained at the Medical Center, local banks, or you can even call the foundation at (201) 858-6500. You can also register on line at www.ACTIVE.com.
Other features include the Kids’ Dashes at 10 a.m. which is open to children ages 2 to 11, with distances from 25 to 200 yards.
The 5K awards include first, second and third place for male and female runners, and for different kids’ age groups. Awards will also be given for first male and female firefighter, police officer, EMT and Bayonne Medical Center employee.
There will be additional awards for first male and female Bayonne resident. Ribbons will be given to all walkers and Kids’ Dashes finishers.
Bayonne Harbor 5K t-shirts will be given to all pre-registrants and post registrants while supplies last. The event will also feature a DJ, random prize drawings, refreshments and other surprises.
The course is USATF (USA Track & Field) certified and is fast and primarily flat. The race will go out onto the Peninsula and back and will provide water stops. The event will benefit the Bayonne Medical Center Foundation and the projects at the Medical Center the Foundation supports.
What is the Bayonne Hospital Medical Center Foundation?
Founded in 1982, the Foundation solicits charitable contributions that help defray the costs related to providing facilities and state-of-the-art equipment at the Medical Center. Comprised of an all-volunteer Board of Trustees, the foundation provides a way for individuals and organizations to invest in the health of the community and support the mission of the Medical Center – through special events like the 5K run, bequests and planned giving opportunities.
Other major fund-raising events over the years include an annual Charity Ball, Bayonne Medical Center Foundation Golf Outing, and memorial programs like the Community Tree Lighting/Lights of Love
The foundation is in the middle of a Capital Campaign for a new Vascular Institute which has an estimated cost of $5 million. This includes the building construction, and purchase of the most advanced diagnostic equipment and state-of-the-art technology used for treatment.
Lombardo credited the foundation’s chairman, Michael Scott, and Vice Chairwoman Phyllis Garelick for making the event possible. He also thanked William Campbell and the volunteers and medical center employees with their extended families who make the race work.