This September 15, the millions of people living in and around New York City have a chance to participate in the Rockaway Beach Civic Association 5K Run/Walk. As you may recall, Rockaway Beach was one of the hardest hit areas during Superstorm Sandy last October, and this is a great community event that is raising money for some projects in the neighborhood.

As a blue collar neighborhood with many residents who are police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, school teachers or other public employees, it’s a close-knit neighborhood. The event, along with other runs in the area, have been going on since 2001 and have been well received by the running community in the New York area, growing in size. That’s built the sense of community outward, and the event is open to runners of all ages and abilities.

The 95^th Street Landscape Beautification and “Welcome to Rockaway Beach,” Sign Project will both benefit from this fundraiser. It’s a simple course, but it does have great views of the ocean. It starts out at Beach 108^th Street and Shore Front Parkway, which is along the Atlantic Ocean. The course then goes down to Beach 73^rd Street and back. In addition, the Manhattan skyline will be peeking through buildings to the West in the distance.

The run starts at 10 a.m. and registration is available online at the link above.

It’s only a $15 registration fee, which makes it an affordable run for a good cause. For those looking to get started in running with a 5K or to continue their training for longer runs, it’s tough to beat the combined scenery of the ocean and city, while also getting involved in a good cause.

Tags: 5k, 95th Street Landscae Beautification, New York, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Beach Civic Association