Every year cold-stunned turtles show up along the beaches of the East End. Normally sea turtles migrate south when the sea temperature begins to get cold but sometimes they get caught when the cold weather moves in faster than expected.
Cold-stunned turtles run the risk of pneumonia, internal organs shutting down and even blindness. Severe cases take months of rehabilitation at great cost.
The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation will be holding its 20th Annual 5K Run for the Ridley. Proceeds will go toward supplies needed to respond to and care for cold-stunned (hypothermic) sea turtles that strand on Long Island shores during the winter months.
The race is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 22. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the run begins at 10 a.m. The course runs through downtown Riverhead and is timed by Island Timing, USA Track & Field Certified.
Registration is $35 if postmarked before Oct. 21. Race Day registration is $40.00, payable at the event. To register by mail, download Runner’s (Athlete’s) Application and Release Form and mail completed and signed form to Riverhead Foundation, 467 E. Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901. To register online visit Runner’s Application Page, fill out the online form, and check the boxes to indicate your electronic signature and agreement with the Athlete’s Release conditions.
Show off your creativity and come dressed to run in your best Halloween costume. A prize will be given after the race for the best costume.
Commemorative event T-shirts will be provided to the first 300 registered runners.
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