The 30th annual Winter Run Series, sponsored by Long Island State Parks, will kick off Sunday, Jan. 12, at Heckscher State Park in East Islip.
“It’s a great kick-off at Heckscher State Park in that it is usually the most well-attended since the weather still cooperates a little bit…and it’s a beautiful race,” said George Gorman Jr., regional director at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
Gorman anticipates up to 850 runners for the first race, which features an ‘80s theme. However, he said, as winter progresses toward late January and early February, “Attendance goes down because it gets colder.”
The Winter Run Series was started at the request of runners who participated in a similar summer series and has remained popular despite the cold. All four runs are 5Ks, Gorman said, adding that the series offers more than just exercise.
“People get out during the winter and it’s a healthy environment to enjoy the run. It's not a real competitive run. We tell everybody don't overexert yourself because it is cold and running in the cold is a lot different than running in warm weather,” he said.
After Heckscher, other races in the series include Robert Moses State Park in Babylon with an oldies theme on Jan. 19; Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park with a ‘90s theme on Jan. 26; and Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh on Feb. 2, where runners are invited to dress as their favorite performers. The starting time for each event is 11 a.m.
“People can dress up and have a little bit more fun,” Gorman said of the themes.
The scenic beauty of running amid nature in state parks is another draw, he added.
“Heckscher is one of the most popular parks because you can run along the shoreline and have a great view of the Great South Bay. It's a fun and flat course that's easier on the runners that will be participating, and there will be refreshments and snacks at the end.”
To register for the full series or individual runs, visit the website. The cost for all four runs is $50, while registration for an individual run on event day is $20. According to a press release from New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, all registration—even on race day—must take place online. The deadline to sign up on race day is 9 a.m. No additional participants will be accepted once the series reaches its maximum capacity of 1,100.
To register for either the full series or individual runs visit https://events.elitefeats.com.
The cost for all four runs is $50, while registration for an individual run on event day is $20. According to a press release from New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, all registration—even on race day—must take place online. The deadline to sign up on race day is 9 a.m. No additional participants will be accepted once the series reaches its maximum capacity of 1,100.
Gorman added that proceeds from the event help support Long Island state parks. Sponsors for the series include National Heritage Trust, Connoisseur Media Long Island, Runners Edge, Newsday, and New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. For more information, visit the website or call the Regional Recreation Department at 631-321-3510.