Sept. 20, 2022 Staff Report
The Sunnyside Post Mile is back, and this year it is coming with a Halloween theme—and the organizers are encouraging participants to run or walk in costume.
The event is scheduled for Oct. 22 and will take place on the streets of Sunnyside.
There will be prizes for the fastest runners, as well as prizes on offer for those who come in costume. For instance, there will be Halloween prizes for the best dressed children, adults as well as family who participate in the mile. There will also be a prize for the best dressed pet. The prizes on offer will be announced soon.
The Sunnyside Post Mile was last held in 2019 but was put on hold given COVID-19. This year’s event will be the sixth, with the run founded in 2015.
“We are proud to bring it back, especially with a Halloween theme,” said Christian Murray, co-publisher of the Sunnyside Post. “The event had become a small-town tradition prior to COVID-19, and we look forward to seeing everyone again—whether it be in costume or traditional running gear.”
The event will start by Lou Lodati Park on 43rd Street. Participants will run/walk down 43rd Street and then turn right onto Barnett Avenue. They will then go along Barnett Avenue before turning right on 48th Street. Participants will then run/walk along 48th Street and then right again on Skillman Avenue before coming to the finish by the park.
The roads will be closed for less than an hour while the event takes place.
Participants with strollers and dogs that are leashed are welcome—but must start the event at the back of the field.
The run/walk is organized by the Queens/Sunnyside Post in conjunction with the Woodside Sunnyside Runners and Sunnyside Community Services.
“We love bringing people together outside and supporting good work in our neighborhoods, and the mile lets us do both at the same time,” said Audrey Hatch, one of the leaders of the Woodside Sunnyside Runners, a local running group.
“We are un-boo-lievably excited to help Sunnyside Post and Sunnyside Community Services bring it back this year, and to make it something extra spooky the whole community can enjoy.”
All proceeds will go to Sunnyside Community Services (SCS), a multi-service, community based, not-for-profit agency that provides programs for individuals of all ages.
“Sunnyside Community Services is thrilled to join the Queens Post and the Woodside Sunnyside Runners to bring back the Sunnyside Post Mile after a three-year hiatus,” said Judy Zangwill, the executive director of SCS.
“We look forward to reconnecting in person with friends and neighbors who supported us during the pandemic. This family-friendly event is another sign of a return to normal and we couldn’t be more excited. Our thanks to all those helping raise funds to support our vital programs for people of all ages. “
The run/walk starts at 10 a.m., with an opening ceremony kicking off at 9:30 a.m.
Children’s dashes, an immensely popular component of the event, will take place on Skillman Avenue at 10:45 a.m. for kids. There will be dashes for children as young as 2, and kids up to the age of 9.
There will be medals presented to the three fastest runners in the men’s, women’s and non-binary categories. Ribbons will be awarded to all children who participate in the dashes.
The admission fee for the Sunnyside Post Mile, which includes a limited-edition race day shirt, is $24 for adults, $20 for seniors (60 and above) and $15 for children. Children who participate in the dash also receive a race day shirt.
Participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to ensure a T-shirt size of their choosing. Adults and seniors who registered before Oct. 1 will receive a $10 discount per participant by entering the following code: SCSMILE
Runners are also able to set-up teams and create their own fund-raising pages.
Those who are interested in sponsoring, please click here.
To register, please click here.