On Sunday, May 15 marked an overcast cloudy day with some rain, but still an estimated 800 runners turned out for the 31st annual Buckley’s-Kennedy’s 5K Charity race. However, the course remained the same as last year. And it wasn’t altered at all. They enjoyed competing, but it was hard to turn in a personal best performance under such conditions.
The course went from the boardwalk in Riis Park and ended across the street from Kennedy’s Restaurant in Breezy Point.
The race directors and race committee were indeed satisfied with the turnout, but it could have been better as the weather conditions had a lot to do with the outcome and times. It was hard to turn in a personal best clocking. Still, the runners enjoyed competing in such a race.
Some of the competitive runners took it as a workout toward a major race. And students on their high school track team at Broad Channel were allowed to run.
Al the proceeds of the race benefitted HeartShare Human Services of New York, which supports its efforts to provide needed services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities as well as other at risk children, adults and families.
“The race was long and hard,” said Jose Medina, a student at Broad Channel. “It was very tiring.”
The communities of Riis Park and Breezy Point turned out to watch some of the competition. In this age group event. Awards in terms of trophies were distributed to the first three places in each category. The competitors ran along basically a flat course.
Last it ended at Kennedy’s for its first time in a long while and it was very successful. The race directors decided to keep it the same course, especially since the feedback from the community was positive.
Jason Brown took the course to his liking once again and emerged victorious, breaking his record and going two for two over the 3.1 mile event.
Brown thus made his second appearance in the race. He was clocked in 16:59, slightly faster than last year’s time of 17:27.
“The course was great,” Brown said. “It was very nice and nice running through Breezy Point. I may be back next year, but for now I don’t have any plans for my next race.”
Meanwhile, Greg Watch felt that it was miserable for it was a little windy. Watch in his debut in the event, finishing second.
Also making his debut in the race was Marvin Gaffney of East New York.
“It’s fun to be here,” he said. “I like to run next to the water, on the sand, in the fresh air and the cool breezes. I run for fitness to keep my body in shape.”
The race was conducted in memory of Jim Buckley, owner of the restaurant located at 2926 Avenue S.
