Genesis School to host 4-mile run in East Meadow

The Genesis School and the Greater Long Island Running Club have teamed up to host the 6th Annual Blazing Trails 4 Autism 4-Mile Run and Walk, which will start and end in East Meadow on Saturday, Nov. 23.

The school, located in St. Raphael’s Parish on Newbridge Road, is for students with autism who are between ages 5 and 21, and is an extension of Eden II, a Staten Island-based nonprofit organization that provides schooling, adult programs and services to families dealing with autism.

Formerly located at St. Pius X Church in Plainview, the school, with its adult programs, moved to East Meadow in August. The net proceeds of the event will benefit Eden II’s programs and services that support individuals with autism.

The race’s lead sponsor is Men on the Move, a Floral Park-based moving and self-storage company that assisted Eden II with its move from Plainview to East Meadow. “We look forward to hosting runners, volunteers, spectators, and supporters,” said Randy Horowitz, the deputy executive director of Eden II’s Long Island programs, “as we run, jog, and walk through our new neighborhood to raise autism awareness and build long lasting community partnerships.”

The race will kick off at approximately 9:30 a.m. in front of St. Raphael’s. The Greater Long Island Running Club, which boasts more than 4,000 members and organizes races across Long Island, will handle the race’s management.

Registered participants will receive a hooded sweatshirt, and food and beverages will be available at the finish line, provided by Panera Bread, Fairway Market, Pirate’s Booty, Whole Foods Market in Manhasset, Apple & Eve, and All Round Foods. Raffle prizes will also be offered, including two round-trip JetBlue tickets. 

Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each of the 16 age groups, from 12-and-under to 85-plus. Online registration will be open until 9 a.m. on Nov. 22, and in-person registration on the day of the race will be open at St. Raphael’s from 8 to 9:15 a.m. The pre-registered entry fee is $20, and day-of-race entry fee is $25.

For more information, call Linda or Mike at the GLIRC office at (516) 349-7646.