This year’s 7th Annual Dime McCarren 5k/10k saw nearly a 10% increase in runners/walkers from 2018’s run. Race day, May the 4th (Be with You Day), also inspired many participants to bring their Star Wars spirit. There were three C3P0 clad runners, a couple Reys and Princess Leias, a runner dressed as George Lucas, and a few stormtroopers in differing forms of dress (two in t-shirt configurations, one in full costume and helmet). Many also sported Star Wars characters, quotes, and twists on their t-shirts. A sly one proudly donned a “Space Balls the T-shirt” t-shirt.
The darkside took over the sky at first, but the goodwill and courage of our community’s rebel runners held back the rain and drizzle for the most part during the run. The course was twice as long for one-third of the participants, as they chose to opt for the 10k. This show of popularity for the longer run has established that the 10k element will continue as an option in future.
The Dime McCarren 5k/10k is a fundraising run whose proceeds go to support necessary incidentals for summer camp and after school academic, cultural, and recreational activities that are omitted by established funding streams.
“This year’s Dime McCarren event reached new levels in participation and range of activities,” remarked Kenneth J. Mahon, Dime President and Chief Executive Officer. “By expanding the event to include a 10K race and a children’s decathlon, St. Nicks Alliance has broadened the reach of this annual Williamsburg event.” Mr. Mahon further noted, “We appreciate the continued show of support by the Williamsburg community and are proud to help fund the St. Nicks Alliance after school and summer camp programs each year.”
In addition to the run, St. Nicks Alliance Youth and Education set up a family friendly carnival of ten Star Wars themed activities called “Jr. Jedi Decathlon”. Yoda Yoga, Lightsaber Limbo, and Dunk Darth Vader were three of the offerings.
The success of the event is directly due to more than a little help from some friends. Dime Community Bank once again supported this event with their generous title sponsorship, and local businesses: MEGA Contracting, Broadway Stages, Aetna, Compass, Business Resource Inc., Daily Gonzalez, and Capri Jet Realty added their support via other levels of sponsorship. Elite Feats, North Brooklyn Runners, and Brooklyn Running Company directly engaged and encouraged the local running community’s participation.
If you missed out on the 7th annual Dime McCarren 5k/10k, get ready, get set, and then mark your calendar for May 2, 2020. That is when this fundraising run will mark its 8th year.
St. Nicks Alliance is still fundraising for its Youth Activities until June 30th. To donate go to: https://stnicksalliance.networkforgood.com/projects/53924-mccarren-run-walk
The Greenline 