BHS seeks runners for historic 5K race

BY VICTOR G. MIMONI

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 3:03 PM EDT

The Bayside Historical Society (BHS) is looking for runners to participate in its 7th annual “Totten Trot,” 5K (five kilometer) foot race in Fort Totten - a serious race with an amusing twist.

“Some grown-ups run in costume,” said Jennifer Dullihan, BHS president. “Almost all the kids usually do.”

Traditionally, the race wends its way around the margins of the historic fort just before Halloween - which falls on a Friday this year.

The “costume optional” event is open to the community and all age groups. It will feature prizes for best times in all age groups, electronically tabulated by the Quantum Feet Road Runners Club, a Fresh-Meadows-based runners’ group.

Kids 12-years-and-under have their own free “fun run,” which starts at 10 a.m.

Proceeds from the race and related activities benefit the education programs at BHS, according to Dullihan.

This year’s race, on Sunday, October 26, will again afford participants a splendid view and nice breeze off Little Neck Bay, followed by a “unique post-event celebration,” Dullihan said. “We have live music, refreshments, raffles and lots of fun,” she added.

Each year following the race, the event is held in the ballroom of “The Castle,” the landmarked former Fort Totten Officer’s Club, building 208 on Totten Road, which houses the Society.

“This race is unique for several reasons,” said Carol Marian, race director and former BHS president. “It is on a waterfront course, on historic grounds, and just may be the most beautiful and challenging course in Queens. I don’t know how many other races offer that, as well as live music and breakfast, plus a prize for the runner with the best costume,” she said.

The “costume optional” event is open to the community and all age groups. Kids 12-and-under have their own free “fun run,” which starts at 10 a.m.

Proceeds from the race and related activities benefit the education programs at BHS, according to Dullihan.

Whole Foods of Manhasset is a participating sponsor of the event “Last year they served breakfast fare,” Dullihan said. “We’re always looking for more sponsors,” she said.

The registration fee is $20 before October 25. After that, $25 will get you a place in the race; walk-ups are welcome. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start.

Registration is now under way and the first 100 registrants will receive a free “designer tee-shirt.” The forms are available on the BHS web site, www.baysidehistorical.org.

For more information, call 718-352-1548.

PHOTO COURTESY BAYSIDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Fewer adults have been dressing in costume lately (find the runner in the fright wig from last year’s race) but “the kids love to run in costume,” said Jennifer Dullihan, president of the Bayside Historical Society, which sponsors the “Totten Trot.”