A popular event that brings together all ages with an eye toward health and wellness is set to unfold in Greenport Saturday.
Peconic Landing will present hold the 10th annual May Mile & 5K race at 1500 Brecknock Road; registration begins at 8 a.m.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Greenport Fire Department; the intergenerational event promotes community involvement and sponsorship in celebration of Older Americans Month.
Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness abilities are welcome; the event features both a mile long walk and 3.1 mile run. More than 400 are expected to participate, along with 150 volunteers from area school districts lending a hand.
A highlight of the day will be the “Older American Champion Award,” presented by Peconic Landing president and CEO Robert Syron to former Greenport Village Mayor David Nyce. The award recognizes the difference a person has made in the quality of life of older Americans.
“David Nyce recognizes the important role our greatest generation plays in this community, having spent much of his eight-year term listening and acting upon their recommendations and concerns,” Syron said. “Peconic Landing is proud to honor David Nyce with this award.”
Since 2005, the annual event has raised more than $160,000 for the fire department; last year’s proceeds of $25,200 helped the department to purchase, refurbish and maintain rescue equipment. A portion of the donation was also used to purchase a marine rescue boat.
“It helps us out tremendously,” said Chief Harry Breese of the Greenport Fire Department. “It allows us to budget for equipment and uniforms that we might not otherwise be able to fund. It takes a lot of people to make an event like this happen for us. We really appreciate everyone who comes out.”
Registration and stretching begin at 8 a.m.; the race and walk to start at 10 a.m. Online registration is available at http://www.peconiclanding.com/may-mile-2015/. Pre-registration is recommended; participants can also register the day of the event.
A barbecue and the awards ceremony will follow at 11:15 a.m. on the back lawn of Brecknock Hall, along with a raffle, with proceeds also benefitting the fire department.
