‘Run The Bronx’ returns

‘Run The Bronx’ returns
Bronx Community College

On Saturday, May 7, at 10 am, the people of the Bronx will hit the ground running.

That’s the date of Run the Bronx: The 38th Roscoe C. Brown Jr. 10K and 5K Runs and 2-Mile Walk that begins and ends on the campus of Bronx Community College. Launched in 1978 by devoted marathoner, legendary Tuskegee Airman and then BCC president Roscoe Brown, the race that now bears his name has become a signature annual event in the borough. This year’s walk and run will pay a special tribute to Dr. Brown.

Last year, as hundreds looked on, a record 1336 runners and walkers tore along Grand Concourse, including BCC students, faculty and staff, school and community groups, local politicians and leaders, kids, seniors and passersby. Turn out is expected to exceed that this time around.

The 2016 Run the Bronx will also honor the work of the police officers of the neighboring 46th and 52nd precincts, who will be presented with a plaque and the warm thanks of the community they serve.

There will be t-shirts, refreshments, medals and a day’s worth of wonderful memories for all who run or stride their way through BCC’s University Heights neighborhood — and trophies for the more outstanding athletes.

But beneath the high spirits and friendly competition of Run the Bronx lies a serious cause — the fitness and well-being of the people of the Bronx, where alarmingly high rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease make the borough the unhealthiest of the state’s 62 counties. So the day is about more than fun. It is also about spreading the word about the benefits of exercise and a balanced diet.

Emphasizing that point will be the presence of local health care institutions and organizations offering screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other indicators of a healthy lifestyle. So even for those who don’t join the race, it’s worth it to come, get tested and informed and cheer on their friends and neighbors as they cross the finish line.

Sponsors of Run the Bronx run the gamut of local businesses, media and healthcare providers, including Affinity Healthcare, Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Fidelis Healthcare, Health First, Hutch Metro, MetroPlus, New York Road Runners, Urban Health Plan, Union Community Health, US Army Recruiting, Just Bagels, Walgreens, Kenmar Shirts — and BCC’s CUNY siblings in the Bronx, Lehman College and Hostos Community College.

Anyone seeking a head start on the competition can register early and pay only $25. After April 30, it goes up to $40. The deal is even better for students in grades one to twelve or those attending a school in The City University of New York system – if they register by April 30, they’ll have a place at the starting line for free.

For more information, contact 718.289.5162 or go to www.bcc.cuny.edu/Run-the-Bronx#degTop.