Aquebogue News: Sound to Bay 10K and 5K event

I hope you’re enjoying this wonderful beginning of summer. If you’re thinking about sponsoring or running in the Sound to Bay 10K and 5K, now is the time to sign up. The 10K course begins at Iron Pier Beach and ends at South Jamesport Beach. There’s one hill in the first half-mile, and then it’s all winding roads through farms and vineyards, and the quaint streets of South Jamesport to the bay. The 5K course begins at Jamesport Town Beach on Great Peconic Bay and winds through the beautiful and historic hamlet of South Jamesport on the way back to the Jamesport Town Beach. Both routes will be lined with friends and neighbors cheering and offering water along the way. Preregistration — postmarked by Aug. 15 — is $25; $30 on the day of the race. T-shirts will be available while supplies last.

Please consider joining in on this run. Proceeds of the race help support Jamesport Fire Department and its associated community outreaches, programs and activities. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Firefighters Cancer Support Network, the Jamesport Meeting House, and the West Webster Fire Department, which tragically lost two firefighters, and two others who were seriously injured. At the conclusion of the run, JFD will host a raffle; prizes will be auctioned for runners. Checks, made payable to “Sound to Bay 10K,” should be mailed to P.O. Box 531, Jamesport, NY 11947.

For more information, visit JFD10Krun.com or their Facebook page, call Robert Sikora at 631-807-4055, or email [email protected].

I am signing up for the 5K run today. I hope to be pushing my daughter Johanna along the route as well. My personal goal and commitment to this run just got even more personal. As many of you know, I was diagnosed with MS and I struggle a bit with fatigue and balance issues. However, walking and running helps relieve stress and improves the sensory issues on my right side, especially in my right leg and foot. But this month, my personal goal and commitment to this run got even more personal. My dear sister just lost her battle with MS and another neuro-degenerative disease at the young age of 56. This year I am running this race in her memory, for all she taught me in her life and her death. I hope you’ll join me. Set your own goals and intentions and support the JFD.

Enjoy the summer with those you love. Life is way too short to hold on to things that matter little. Respect this gift of life that is freely given to all. Peace to you and yours.

Contact Aquebogue columnist Eileen Benthal at [email protected] or 833-1897.