Marine Park

Hundreds race from Brooklyn to Queens for charity

Buckley’s-Kennedy’s Run draws more than 850 participants

May 22, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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The route of the 34th Annual Buckley’s-Kennedy’s Run started at a Brooklyn restaurant and ended near a Queens eatery, but what the participants were really hungry for was victory.

They got it!

The 5K race, which took place on May 18, was won by Nick Karan, who finished to course in 16 minutes, 43 seconds. Lisa Fajardo won the female division with a finishing time of 19 minutes, 28 seconds. But the sponsors said everyone who took part in the race was a winner. The runners came from all age groups.

The day’s big winner was HeartShare Human Services of New York, the non-profit social services agency in downtown Brooklyn. The proceeds from the charity run were donated to HeartShare.

The race begins near Buckley’s, a Marine Park restaurant, and ends in a Breezy Point athletic field near Kennedy’s, a local restaurant.

“The outpouring of support from the Brooklyn and Queens communities and businesses, as well as HeartShare staff and board members, is what continually makes this event a success,” said Bill Guarinello, president and CEO of HeartShare.

Hundreds of sports buffs and local residents came out to cheer for the runners and to enjoy a family picnic following the run.

The Buckley’s-Kennedy’s Run has taken place every year sine 1981 has become a New York tradition. In the past two years, the event has also served as a morale booster in Breezy Point, community devastated by Hurricane Sandy. “Although devastated by Hurricane Sandy, New Yorkers came out to run. With the run course in Breezy Point, the community has never hesitated to resume daily life, including its most cherished traditions,” Guarinello said.

The run primarily benefits HeartShare programs, but funds are also donated to other causes, including a $5,000 academic scholarship fund in the memory of a Buckley family member, who died of cancer at the age of 14.

This year, the race was dedicated in memory of Elizabeth “Joan” Higgins and Tommy Farrell, whose children attended the event.

The run is made possible with the support of Buckley’s and Kennedy’s co-owners Jimmy Buckley, Jr., Christine Buckley Strehle, and Gerard Casey.

“I’m grateful that my father, Jimmy Buckley, got me involved with this organization. My father was also a savvy businessman and he would be proud that HeartShare continues to contribute 90 cents of every dollar to the children, adults and families it serves,” Jimmy Buckley, Jr. said before presenting trophies to the winners.

 

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