Herald Neighbors

Running for a cause: Vineyard Church hosts inaugural 5K and Fun Run

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About 98 runners came out to Greis Park on Sept. 9 to participate in the Vineyard Church’s inaugural Race for Hunger 5K, which raised money for families in need.

“I think the event went great,” said Marina Carter, an administrative assistant for the church and one of the event organizers. “The weather was perfect and it was just cool enough for the runners.”

Proceeds from the run went toward Island Harvest, an organization that helps stock the church’s food pantry and provides meals for more than 255 families each month. The Vineyard Church has two locations, 180 Denton Ave. in Lynbrook and 251 Merrick Road in Rockville Centre.

The church worked with Elite Feats, an Oyster Bay-based company, to organize the run. The day started with a fun run for young children and their parents at 9 a.m. and the 5K began at 9:30. Carter said she had not received the official amount raised as of press time. Runners who placed first through third in their age group received a medal, Carter added.

Carter noted that she hopes to make the outing an annual event and that she will start spreading the word about it earlier in 2018 to get more local residents involved. She emphasized the importance of working with places like Island Harvest to help feed families. “There is a need and we’re just trying to fill it,” Carter said. “And I think the community, as they become aware, would love to join us and help out.”