The second annual “Back to the Bays” 5K run will take place Saturday. The run is a benefit for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program and proceeds will directly support marine and coastal habitat restoration, shellfish enhancement and youth education programming carried out by CCE’s Back to the Bays Initiative, the organization said in an announcement.
The run starts and finishes at Cedar Beach County Park in Southold and features a picturesque course with beautiful views of the Peconic Bay and its tributaries.
Following the race, participants and members of the general public are welcome to explore the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center, where CCE’s researchers and educators will be on hand for an open house and “Family Fun Day.”
“This event is free, open to all, and will offer opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the work we do,” said CCE’s Kimberly Barbour.
Featured events include a tour of the shellfish hatchery led by aquaculture specialists, a unique hands-on experience allowing guests to touch various marine species in the touch tank room, a tour of the marine and coastal plant greenhouse, a lesson on how to grow your own shellfish with CCE’s SPAT Program, and more, Barbour said.
“We’ll have plenty of activities for the kids including a fish printing activity allowing kids to create a tote bag to take home, a paper plate seahorse craft, and art and science integration projects,” she said. “Local artist Cindy Pease Roe will be giving a marine debris sculpture demonstration, where she will use marine debris found on our beaches to create unique and thought-provoking pieces of artwork.”
Register for the 5K online. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. The registration fee is discounted for advance registrations and pre-registration guarantees the the first 50 participants an event T-shirt.
General advance registration is $25 ($20 for Back to the Bays members). Day-of registration, which begins at 7:30 a.m., will be $30.
The race starts at 9 a.m. sharp.
Post-race refreshments and award ceremony for winners in each category. Awards to top runners in each category: 8-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+.
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