Long Island Love: Evening Races for Kids and Adults in Eisenhower Park Every Wednesday

By Julie Terrone

Every Wednesday in June, July and August, the Long Island Road Runners Club and the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums present the 37th Annual Run Series in Eisenhower Park. You’ll need to arrive by 6pm to register all children. There’s the Pee Wee 200 Meter Fun Run ($1), Youth 1/2 Mile Fun Run ($1) and the 5 K Run. (Registration for 5K will close at 6:45 PM) (Read More after the jump.)

Race Entry Fees for the 5K: $10 Non-Members of the LI Road Runners Club; $5 Members; $4 Members Over 60 and Physically Challenged, $5 for First Family Member (same household), and $3 for each additional family member
$1 Summer Kids and Youth Fun Runs; Group Fun Runs: FREE.

My 3 children entered the kids and youth fun runs and they had so much fun. My 5 1/2 year old son ran the 200 meter race, while my 6 1/2 year old daughter and 10 year old son ran the 1/2 mile race. The children follow a man who was the pacer, riding a bike on the path to the finish, which has the racing clock above the finish line. No need to worry about dehydration — there was a table with filled cups of water on the side as well.

What I really liked is that these races aren’t about winning, it’s about getting out there to exercise on a beautiful evening in the park. It’s a great test of perseverance for children and adults to start what they finish – even if they might have to walk at the end of the race. Every child entry gets a ribbon when they cross the finish line.