PS 199 RUN HARD, BE KIND 5K (Fall 2024)

COME RUN, WALK OR CHEER! We need you ALL.

Our 5K events aren't just about running.

This is an opportunity for our entire community to come together to experience the thrill of accomplishing a goal! Whether that means taking on the 5K course with your family and friends, cheering your heart out in support of our community, or helping to raise funds for the incredible programs and activities at PS 199, we need your support, enthusiasm and energy. Your donations will support the PS 199 PTA which funds the following enrichment programs and more:

• Center for Architecture Foundation
• New York Philharmonic School Partnership Program
• National Dance Institute
• Chess 
• Leap 360 Musical Theater
• Sun Works Hydroponic Garden
• Community Reading in the Library
• Field Trips
• Technology
• Art Supplies
• Teacher Appreciation

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (Rain or Shine!)

• 2PM: Runner Check-In / Pre-Race Fun Begins (BAG CHECK + BIKE WATCH WILL BE AVAILABLE)
• 3PM: Warmup + Cheer Stations Activated @ 3PM
• 3:10PM-ish: RACE START!
• 4PM-ish: Awards, Hot Chocolate + Finisher Pics
• 5PM-ish: Post-Race Celebration @ The Ribbon

COURSE:

Central Park Lower Loop. Meet on Bethesda Terrace, in the middle of the 72nd Street Transverse. The race will start just west of Bethesda, continuing west then south around the lower loop. One loop is 1.7 miles, and we'll have an aid station available. Younger racers can finish after one loop if they choose. Otherwise, grab some water and continue around the loop again until you reach the south end of the mall/arboretum. The turn will be marked with cheerleaders! Continue straight through the mall back to the start/finish area near Bethesda. 

PRIZES:

• Top adult + student finishers
• The class with the most registrations will win BIG!
• The best cheer station on the course will also be awarded, as voted on by the race finishers!
• In honor of Thanksgiving, there will be a TURKEY (a fast one!) racing the course. Beat the turkey, WIN A PRIZE. 
• First 100 to sign up for the in-person event will get SWAG. (Sorry, we can’t cover the cost of shipping for friends/fam from afar.)
• Custom race bibs for all in-person racers! 

Can't make it on Nov 24? RACE WITH US VIRTUALLY! Complete your own 5K anytime before Dec 1. Take the whole fam out for a turkey trot over Thanksgiving!

REGISTER:

• ADVANCE ENTRY FEE: $35 per participant
• RACE DAY ENTRY FEE: $45 per participant (payable on site by cash, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Paypal)

FAQ’s:

Q: Can I participate even if I can’t attend?

A: Yes! Choose the VIRTUAL registration option. Sign up to do your own 5K when it works for you, and encourage everyone (literally EVERYONE!) you know to participate and support our school. Please share your accomplishment on social media tagging @ps199_pta or #PS199 and #RunHardBeKind5K. 

Q: Should our class offer to register our teacher?

A: Absolutely. Ask administrators, too! And all of those sign-ups go toward your class total...

Q: Running isn't my jam. Can I walk the course?

A: YES! Everyone is welcome. Run, walk, skip, scoot, roller blade, etc. Just be safe as we are sharing the park with the public. We also need cheerleaders all over the course! 

Q: OK but really, I don't want to do the 5K - how else can I participate?

A: Sign up to lead a cheer station! The energy on the course makes a ton of difference to the runners. WE NEED YOU.

Q: There's no way my kid can do a 5K.

A: Let them try! If they want to be done after the first lower loop, they can still go through the finish chute. 

Q: How much of the registration fee is donated to the school?

A: 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the PS 199 PTA. 

Q: Ughh, why is there a big bad processing fee?

A: The fee covers the credit card transaction when you register for this event. We know it's annoying, but if we don't charge it, it comes out of funds for our school. 

Q: What if I have more than one child at PS 199 participating?  

A: During registration, you can select each of their teachers from the list. The competition for registration is HEATED! 

Q: Can I invite friends and relatives?

A: Yessssss! We need you to! Thank you! 

Q: Is there bag check available?

A: Yep! People will be at the check-in/finish area the whole time, so feel free to leave a bag or a bike, etc, but please try to minimize the amount of stuff you bring. We can't be liable for anything super valuable.

Q: Can I ride a bike on the course?

A: As long as you stay out of the runner/pedestrian lane and follow traffic/cycling rules of the road -- and are courteous to all around you -- then yes, feel free to bike the lower loop. However, you will not be able to ride through the arboretum, the last 0.25 of the course. You'll have to walk your bike or continue around the lower loop to the finish area by way of the transverse.