2023 Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Five Mile Run

For the first time, our 48th Annual Thanksgiving Day Run will celebrate the special bond between the Community Chest, our running community, and the 28 non-profits who change the lives of over 7,000 residents of the Port Washington Community each day with The Run for the Red Feather 

Each Year The Run for the Red Feather  will help the Community Chest recognize and celebrate our shared commitment to the Port Washington community by awarding our First Place Men’s and Women’s Runners winners a $1,000* “Grant Prize,” which they will donate to one of next year’s 28 Community Chest Charities.

These two runners will also receive the inaugural Red Feather  Award trophy, which symbolizes our shared responsibility to help our friends and neighbors in need. We are working with the Art Guild of Port Washington (a 2024 Chest grantee) and renowned sculptor Alice Riordan to create our awards.

The Run for the Red Feather will benefit 28 Charities in Port Washington that provide essential services and enrich the lives of those in need.

You can learn more about each "Member" of our Family of Funded organization by clicking this link https://www.portchest.org/funded-organizations

Race Packet Pick Up (Includes T-shirt & race bib)

Location: Port Washington Adult Activities Center, 80 Manorhaven Blvd. Port Washington NY

Tuesday, 11/21 5-8PM

Wednesday, 11/22 5-8PM

Thursday, 11/23 7AM - 8:25AM

Manorhaven Park
Port Washington, NY US 11050

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Questions?

• ·         The race is capped at 3,500 participants. Once we reach that cap, we are required to close registration.
• ·         Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• ·         The run is held in ALL weather and is not cancelled unless the police close the roads. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, the run will NOT be  rescheduled.
• ·         Minimum age is 9. CHILDREN UNDER 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
• ·         For the safety of all, BABY STROLLERS, SKATEBOARDS, BICYCLES and DOGS are NOT permitted.  
• ·         Awards are based on GUN time. Line up near the front if you are competing for an award.
• ·         Participants MUST line up at the appropriate pace sign. For safety reasons, walkers MAY NOT line up in the front.

The Community Chest is truly blessed to have the support of so many local businesses who sponsor the Thanksgiving Day Run and our other fundraising events.  We all know, though, that the past 18 months have put enormous economic burdens on companies that have had to manage through the pandemic with multiple restrictions.  Additionally, our Port Washington retailers are asked to support local fundraising events on a daily basis.  

Please consider joining the roster of sponsors for the 2023 Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run.  There are multiple sponsorship levels that range from $250 for a “family sponsorship” to $10,000 for a “bib sponsorship” all with varying benefits and ALL with complimentary race entries. Imagine having YOUR name on a lawn sign expressing your support for this iconic Port Washington tradition or having YOUR name on the back of the t-shirt given to over 3,000 people. Talk about a runner’s “high.”  Join us knowing the impact that your generosity will be making to the People of Port.   

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Race Packet includes T-shirt & Race Bib.   To be green, we are asking you to please bring your own reusable shopping bag to carry your gear after packet pick up.

Location: Port Washington Adult Activities Center, 80 Manorhaven Blvd. Port Washington NY

Date/times: Tuesday 11/21 & Wednesday 11/22 from 5:00-8:00PM, Thursday 11/23 (race day) from 7:00 - 8:25 AM

IMPORTANT: Please Keep Your Bib# Clearly Visible! and on the FRONT of your chest or abdomen, NOT on your back!
For the best results with photo tagging and searching, the photographers need to clearly see your bib# when taking photos. This will greatly improve your name & bib# photo search results.

 

Race Timing & Results provided by Finish Line Road Race Technicians.  A timing "Chip" (transponder) is affixed to the back of the race bib.

Awards are based on "Gun Time" but "Net Times" will be provided online at FLRRT.com.  Full race results will not be posted at the race....only online.

Race results will be emailed shortly after you finish.  

The list of award winners will be posted on the side of the finish line trailer.  Potential age group winners should pick up their awards at the trailer after checking the list.  

Free Photos will be posted on the RunSignUp race registration page with the ability to search for your photos by name or bib#. Just click on the photos tab on the left or top menu bar.
Be sure to set the race year in the drop-down menu box. 

IMPORTANT: Please Keep Your Bib# Clearly Visible! and on the FRONT of your chest or abdomen, NOT on your back!
For the best results with photo tagging and searching, the photographers need to clearly see your bib# when taking photos. This will greatly improve your name & bib# photo search results.

Medals will be given to all finishers.  At race end, awards based on GUN TIME are given to the top three athletes overall, male/female in each age group & wheelchair. Age groups: 9-12, 13-15, 16-19 and 5-year age breaks to 79, 80+. 

All registrants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt.  We make every attempt to provide the size selected when registering but cannot guarantee that all sizes will be available. 

Directions to the Start:

Manorhaven Blvd, Port Washington (use 80 Manorhaven Boulevard, Port Washington for GPS)  From the Long Island Expressway, Exit 36: Go north approximately 4 miles to Main St., Port Washington. Turn left. Take Main St. to Shore Rd.  Turn right. Take Shore Road to Manorhaven Blvd. Turn left.  Start is adjacent to Manorhaven Park, approximately ¼ mile on left at Dunwood Road. 

Parking

Participants are urged to carpool, arrive early and park in Soundview Marketplace (on Shore Road) where there is free parking or legal street parking. Manorhaven Park parking lot will NOT be open to participant traffic. 

Local roads close at 8AM.

At race packet pick up participants are encouraged to donate items & gift cards to the Our Lady of Fatima food pantry.  Preferred items include cereal, cooking oil, canned fruit, pasta & sauce, rice, beans and canned tuna. Expired items will be thrown out on site.  Local area grocery store gift cards or prepaid credit cards are suggested & greatly appreciated!

What time does the race start?

8:30 AM

Is there race day registration?
Yes, if we have not yet reached the race cap (3,500)--but the fees are higher. It is also much more cumbersome for us AND for you. Registering early saves you time and money. Race day registration can ONLY be done on-site at the race.

Can my friend or family member pick up my packet?
Yes. And if your "friend" loses it, you'll need to re-register. At that point, you may want a new friend. 

What happens if I pick up the wrong bib at Race Packet Pick Up?

You have a few choices. You can return to Race Packet Pick Up that evening or the next day and go to the “Solutions” desk where the mix up will be fixed.  Alternatively, you can go to the “Solutions” desk on Race Day and correct the mix up.  The one thing you should NOT do, is run with the incorrect bib.  

Can I run with someone else’s race bib?

The short answer is “No”.  Safety is the biggest concern about bib swapping. If a runner gets hurt on the course and cannot respond to medical attention, his or her race bib is linked to a name and emergency contact information. Skewed results are also a problem when runners swap bibs. A man who runs wearing a bib registered to his wife or his father, for example, may accidentally win an age group he doesn’t belong in, bumping out another runner who actually earned it.

How are awards determined?

Awards are based on GUN TIME. If you feel that you might be in contention for an award, make sure to line up near the front of the pack by your pace sign. 

Why do the bibs have chips if awards aren’t determined by chip time?

We know that many people are competitive with themselves, want to better a personal best or simply know how they’ve done.

Where can I see race results?
Race results will be emailed to you shortly after you finish.  The full list of award winners will be posted on the side of the finish line trailer.  In order to reduce the amount of paper used, the full list of finishers will only be found online at FLRRT.com

When does online registration close?
On-line registration closes on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11pm

When and where can we pick up our packets?
Race Packet Pick Up is on Tuesday, 11/21 and Wednesday 11/22 from 5pm-8pm or Thursday 11/23 from 7am-8:25am at the Port Washington Adult Activities Center, 80 Manorhaven Boulevard, Port Washington. No early pick-ups - Please don't ask. We don't like seeing the disappointment in your face when we say, "No."

Is there a rain date?
The run is held in all weather and is not cancelled unless the police close the roads.

After registering I realize I cannot participate. Do you offer refunds?
Unfortunately we do not offer refunds as funds are invested into the event well ahead of time.

Can I allow someone else to use my bib?

No, because the race results are calculated based on the runner’s gender and age.  If you mix up bibs, the race results are skewed.

Where can people spectate?
People can watch runners all along the race route. Often people wait at the finish line chute (inside Manorhaven Beach Park parking lot).

Are there refreshments after the race?
Water is available before the race and at the mid-way water stop.  Water bottles and apples are distributed in the Manhorhaven Beach Park parking lot after the race.  

Can I walk?

While this is primarily a running race, walkers are welcome.   If you walk slower than a 24-minute mile, you will be asked by police to move to the sidewalk after 10:30. The finish line is taken down after 11:00AM. For safety, so you will not be trampled, do not line up near the front at the starting line.

Are there bathrooms available for the runners?
We have portable toilets for your use.  They are located directly inside the Manorhaven Beach Park parking lot.

My child is under 12 and needs to be accompanied by an adult.  Do I need to pay?

Everyone participating in the race must be registered and pay.

Can I run with my dog?

We absolutely LOVE your dog.  And dogs are not permitted for safety reasons.  This is a USA Track and Field (USATF) sanctioned race.  We follow all USATF rules and regulations.  Fido  happens to be prepping for his Doggie Trot later in the afternoon. 

Can I participate with my child in a stroller or jogger?

Baby strollers and baby joggers are not permitted for safety reasons. This is a USA Track and Field (USATF) sanctioned race. We follow all USATF rules and regulations.  

Are headphones permitted?
Headphones are permitted.  Make sure that you can hear all course and safety instructions from volunteers and police officers.

Is there a place to put my valuables when I am running?
Unfortunately, we do not have a clothing check.

Where do I park?

There is free parking at Soundview Marketplace (on Shore Road) and Stop and Shop Shopping Center (on Shore Road).  You may also use legal local street parking. The Manorhaven Park parking lot is not open to Run parking.

When do the roads close to traffic?

Local roads close at 8AM.  If you are a Port Washington resident and need to speak with someone about the road closures, please call the Community Chest at (516) 767-2121

When do roads open to traffic?

In general, Middleneck Road begins to roll open at 9:45 and will be completely open by 10:30AM.  Manorhaven Boulevard remains completely closed until 10:45-11:00 AM; Cow Neck Road will be open by 9:00 AM.  Two west-facing lanes of Shore Road remain open (one lane for Northbound traffic and one lane for South bound traffic) all morning.

My whole family is running; can we use one application?
Each participant must complete a separate application and sign a waiver

Can my child who is 12 years old run in the race if I am not running?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents should use their judgment for children 12 and older. There are no supervisors on the race route.

What charities are associated with the event?
The Port Washington Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile run benefits the Community Chest of Port Washington, a charity that raises money for 25 + local programs providing vital services for our neighbors in need

I want to participate, but can't walk or run, how can I volunteer?

Schreiber H.S. students should contact the Schreiber Key Club Advisor.  All others should contact info@portchest.org or 767-2121 for volunteer information.

Where can I get a mail-in race application?
If you prefer to mail or walk in your application to the Community Chest office, download a printable application at www.portchest.org or from this website. Form and payment must be in the Community Chest office by Monday, November 20 at 3pm. [Community Chest of Port Washington, 382 Main Street, Port Washington, NY 11050]

What if none of these questions is my question?
A: If you have any unanswered questions, email us at info@portchest.org.  We promise you an answer. 

What can I do to make the race director happy?
A: So glad you asked!  Pray for nice weather. Thank our sponsors from the bottom of your heart. Thank our great volunteers too. And remember, no whining. It's going to be a great race.

 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.