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Ready, set, go: Locals participate in Bay Ridge’s first weekly community run

Ready, set, go: Locals participate in Bay Ridge’s first weekly community run
Photo by Trey Pentecost

They walked all over this course!

Brooklynites strapped on their shoes to participate in Bay Ridge’s first weekly community run after convincing a runners group to bring its “Open Run” program to Shore Road Park, according to one of the organizers.

“The demand from the Bay Ridge community was the driving force to bringing the program to Shore Road Park,” said Rachel Pratt, Senior Vice President of Youth and Community Services of New York Road Runners. “We’re thrilled that we were able to meet the demands of the Bay Ridge community with a course and experience the participants absolutely loved.”

Ninety-seven participants took on the three-mile course on Saturday, which started at the comfort station at 79th Street and Shore Road. But it wasn’t a race — the non-competitive run is open to everyone. That includes those with children, strollers, dogs, and even those who just want to walk at their own pace. One of the organizers said the run’s non-competitive nature makes it easy for new runners to jump into the running life.

“The idea is for families and people who aren’t used to running to have fun in a non-competitive and non-intimidating space,” said Cody Castro, who volunteers with New York Road Runners. “We’re always welcoming different ages and paces.”

The Shore Road Park run, which will continue every Saturday at 9 am, is the New York Road Runners’ fifth Open Run program in Brooklyn – they also host their program at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Canarsie Park, Highland Park, and Marine Park. Castro said the runs help connect the community.

“It was great to see the community, especially all the families, participating,” he said. “It creates a community feeling.”

New York Road Runners Open Run in Shore Road Park in Bay Ridge (Comfort station at 79th Street and Shore Road). Saturdays at 9 am. Free.