Katy's Courage And Other Great Races In The Hamptons

During the summer, there is a road race out here practically every weekend. And Katy’s Courage 5K will help to kick off the season on April 28 with an event dedicated to honoring a little girl who influenced and encouraged all who knew her.

Sag Harbor native Katy Stewart died of a race form of pediatric cancer at only 12 years old. Forever remembered for her kindness and smile, Katy inspired the creation of Katy’s Courage, a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering “kindness, happiness and well being in the world through upholding its mission to ‘pass it on.’”

“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about Katy Stewart. Katy not only inspired a community, she has inspired The Max Cure Foundation in its mission to eradicate pediatric cancer,” says David Plotkin, Co-Founder of The Max Cure Foundation.

The festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m., and the course weaves around Sag Harbor Village. Last year, over 1700 runners participated, and Katy’s Courage more than exceeded its goal of raising $20,000 to go toward a scholarship in Katy’s Memory. To register for the 2012 running of Katy’s Courage, head to www.katyscourage.org.

Katy’s Courage is involved in a number of charitable efforts to commemorate Katy’s spirited life. Funds gathered help Katy’s Courage to give college scholarships to students who display courage, kindness and empathy, counseling for children and their families and ongoing support for pediatric cancer research.

A number of other worthy races will be held throughout the summer. Stay tuned for additional information on the coming events:

HAMPTON BAYS 5TH ANNUAL 5K RUN/WALK – 5/12, 9 a.m., Hampton Bays. To benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Register at www.islandrunning.net

Spring Into Action 5K & Family Fun Run – 5/19, 9 a.m., East Hampton. Proceeds benefit East Hampton Day Care Learning Center. Register at www.islandrunning.net or call Lara or Bruch Siska 631-324-1791. $15.

American Heart Association 3rd Annual Healing Heart 5K Run/Walk – 5/20, 10 a.m., half mile fun run for kids under 10 at 10:15 a.m. Martha Clara Vineyard, Riverhead. Register at www.heartwalk.kintera.org. 631-734-2804, Barpara.Pollwoda@heart.org. $25 pre-registration, $30 day of race, $15 kids.

POTATO HAMPTON 5K – 6/2, 9 a.m., Bridgehampton Militia Park on Ocean Road. Proceeds to benefit Jordan’s Initiative. www.danshamptons.com. $30 pre-registration, $35 day of race.

21st ANNUAL SOUTHAMPTON ROTART FIRECRACKER 8K RUN – 7/8, 8:30 a.m. Southampton. Proceeds benefit the Southampton Rotary Scholarship Fund. Register at www.islandrunning.net. $20 before 7/1, $25 day of race.

22nd Annual Westhampton Beach Joe Koziarz Memorial Certified 5K Run & Walk & 1K Kids Fun Run – 7/21, 8:30 a.m., Kids Fun Run 8:15 a.m., Westhampton Beach. Registration forms available in the Westhampton Chamber office on online at www.islandrunning.net. $20 before 6/30, $25 after.

SYS/AHRC SUFFOLK 5K RUN/WALK – 7/28, 9 a.m., Southampton. To benefit AHRC, a not for profit organization serving children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Register at www.islandrunning.net. $20 pre-registration, $30 day of race.

17TH Annual Ellen’s Run – 8/19, 9 a.m., Southampton. Contact 212-840-0916 or info@ellensrun.com. $30 pre-registration, $35 day of race, $25 children and seniors.

JAMESPORT FIRE DEPT. SOUND TO BAY 5K & 10K – 8/26, 9 a.m., Jamesport. In memory of Commissioner Edward “Big Ed” Collins. Register at www.islandrunning.net. $25 pre-registration, $30 day of race.

HAMPTON BAYS LIONS CLUB OVER THE BRIDGE 10K, 5K RUN/WALK – 9/12, 9 a.m., Hampton Bays. Register at www.islandrunning.net. $20 before 9/10, $25 day of race, $10 children 14 and under.

FLYING POINT 8K/2K – 9/23, 9 a.m., Watermill. To benefit Autism Awareness. Register at www.islandrunning.net.