Registration Underway for 5K Evelyn Knapp Run to Remember

Hundreds of runners are expected to bravely take on the hills of Sunken Meadow State Park this Sunday to raise to fight cancer in honor of a Smithtown businesswoman. 

The 4th annual Evelyn Knapp Run to Remember and second annual 3K Walk to Remember to benefit the Strength for Life foundation will be held 9 a.m. Sunday at Sunken Meadow State Park. Online registration is open until midnight on Thursday. 

The annual 3K walk/5K race is held in memorial of Evelyn Knapp, a Bay Shore resident who co-founded the Personal Training Institute with Commack and Smithtown locations. She died of breast cancer in 2005. 

"One of the things she realized going through her treatment is exercise was beneficial. In 2003, doctors were saying, 'Bed rest is best,' not to exercise, but she challenged that," said Jacqui Errico, who co-founded Strength for Life in Knapp's memory. 

Strength for Life is a nonprofit organization that aims to offer cancer patients and survivors community exercise programs designed to enhance their recovery process. Errico said Strength for Life helps provide free training and exercise programs and equipment to cancer patients throughout Long Island. 

"We want them to know there are many benefits to exercising even when you are not feeling good," she said. 

The 5K Run to Remember challenges runners to take on the hills of Sunken Meadow State Park, including the infamous "Cardiac Hill" starting at 9 a.m. Those looking for a lighter workout are invited to participate the 3K Walk to Remember that takes place on Sunken Meadow Boardwalk starting at 9:15 a.m.

Registration costs $15 for youths (age 14 and under), $25 for adults through Nov. 21 on Active.com's website. Day-of registration costs $30 and starts at 7:30 am. Sunday. 

Errico said there are already 460 runners pre-registered and they are hoping to see up to 700 participants on Sunday. 

"We have so many young kids that are running this year, it’s unbelievable," she said. "We get a lot of high schoolers and older people that were on the track team."    

Children are invited to take part in a 1K Fun Run that will start at 8:30 a.m. Registration is a $10 donation.