Keep Fit: Race into Spring on the East End
The calendar says that spring is here, but as I write this, the temperature is a balmy 30°. I was driving to yoga class at Well Within Studio in East Hampton the other day, and it occurred to me that it’s been a while since I’ve run two days in a row. I’ve been supplementing running with yoga and other fitness classes during the dark and icy winter. Weather doesn’t often deter me, but this winter is dragging, and I miss the feeling of sweating during more optimal conditions. Nothing beats the freeing feeling of a run in warm sunshine. And lately, I’ve also started missing the competitive aspect of being in a race.
Luckily, we’re less than a month away from the start of the East End racing season. Here’s a roundup of upcoming events to keep you motivated until everything thaws:
The season of road races kicks off with one of the area’s most meaningful, the Katy’s Courage 5K on Saturday, April 18. The race is held in memory of Katy Stewart, a Sag Harbor resident who lost her battle with cancer in 2010 at 12 years young. The race is one of the flagship events for Katy’s Courage, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps fund pediatric cancer research, awards scholarships to Pierson High School grads and supports Katy’s Kids @ CMEE, a program that provides counseling for grieving kids and their families. The 5K begins on Water Street in Sag Harbor. Check-in begins at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration is $25, day-of registration is $30.
To register for the race, visit katyscourage.itsyourrace.com.
Next on the calendar, CTREE’s second-annual Giddy-Up 5K race is held on Saturday, May 2 in Sagaponack. The race kicks off at Sagg Main Beach at 8:30 a.m. CTREE, the Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic riding lessons and equine assisted activities to children and young adults with cognitive, physical or emotional disabilities. The program is based out of Wölffer Estate Stables in Sagaponack. Pre-registration is $25, day-of registration is $30.
Register at ctreeny.org. Call 631-779-2835 or email [email protected] for additional info.
If you’re up for a longer challenge, the second-annual Bridgehampton Half Marathon is held on Saturday, May 9. Registration ($85) is now open, but if you feel ready to race 13.1 miles, act fast! The event sold out last year. The race begins at 9 a.m. at the Beebe Windmill on Ocean Road and follows a course past the ocean and picturesque farms. After crossing the finish, celebrate at nearby Osteria Salina—your race bib is your ticket to a free beer or wine. Not quite ready to train for and conquer 13.1 miles just yet? The Bridgehampton Half is the sister race of the Hamptons Marathon and Half, both run in the fall. This past week, the Hamptons Half was ranked #7 on The Active Times list of the World’s Best Half Marathons. All three events benefit East End charities, and over the past eight years, Hamptons Marathon, Inc. has donated over $500,000 to nonprofits!
Register online at bridgehamptonhalf.com.
The following weekend, racers are invited to take part in the Hampton Bays Pride Day 5K on Saturday, May 16. The race starts at the Hampton Bays Middle School at 9 a.m. and raises money for the Hampton Bays Track and Field program, the Booster Club and Water for South Sudan. After completing the race, enjoy an afternoon of Community Pride Day festivities! Pre-registration is $25, day-of registration is $30. Kids 16 and under are $20.
To register, visit hamptonbaysprideday5k.itsyourrace.com.