Supporting community services, honoring community heroes
The Dime McCarren 5k (M5k) is a run that begins and ends on a border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg and travels through both. St. Nicks Alliance created this 5k to bring community together and fundraise for to support community services they provide.
In 2016, Dime Community Bank came on board as a title sponsor and has continued their support.
In addition, North Brooklyn Runners and Brooklyn Running Company are valued partners in this event.
Greg Cass crossed the finish line first of 377 who ran. His winning time was 16 minutes and 55.74 seconds, which puts his average pace at 11.4 mph.
Marissa Williams was the first female to finish. Her winning time was 18 minutes and 43.73 seconds, which puts her speed a hair under 10 mph.
The M5k is a run for all ages and fitness types. The youngest runner was seven the oldest runner was seventy-three. The winner of the over-seventy age group was faster than the youngest — possibly because experience helps with pacing oneself.
Richard Dodson, first vice president and regional director of Dime Community Bank, co-emceed the event with Michael Rochford, executive director of St. Nicks Alliance. NYC Council Members Lincoln Restler and Jennifer Gutiérrez were present to cheer the runners on and the winners of this year’s civic awards, which were presented by Frank Lang, St. Nicks Alliance’s deputy executive director of housing.
The 2023 Dime McCarren Civic Awards went to: leaders of Girl Scout Troop 2111 (Meagan Serrano, Amy Cordero-Fisher, and Jessica Feliciano); the leadership of the John Ericsson Middle School 126 (Principal Timothy Goettelmann, Asst. Principal Kimberlea Rodney, Assistant Principal Allen Kinard, and Sergio Zamora – guidance counselor); and Jackson Street Block Association (William Vega, Robin Margolis, Noah Pryor, Jessica Steffl, and Michael Gallagher).
The first two groups were honored for their dedication to building up local youth in providing them with leadership and educational skills. The Jackson Street Block Association has devoted many hours to improving the safety and cleanliness of the community in East Williamsburg. They have volunteered countless hours to help pick up litter including dangerous, used hypodermic needles from the residential streets and parks. They have also helped organize activities in the public spaces to increase safety for local residents and discourage illegal activities.
The Greenline 