The Get to the Point 5K returns for the 26th edition this Sunday, October 13. The 5K is in support St. Stan’s Catholic Academy (12 Newell St.) and is sponsored by Broadway Stages; register here (pre-registration for the 5K is $35 and $45 day of). Continue reading →
The Get To The 'Point 5K Run crossing Greenpoint Ave. along Manhattan Ave.
This Sunday, a number of major streets in Greenpoint will be closed down to traffic to allow for the annual “Get to the ‘Point”5K run to take place. Now in its 21st year, GTTP is a fundraiser organized by the good people at St. Stan’s church over on Driggs helps to provide for an education to over 250 children each year through their Catholic academy. The cost is only $20 in advance of race day ($25 day of) and you get a t-shirt that you will probably never wear again, unless it’s to the track at McCarren. Continue reading →
Every year, St. Stan’s Athletic League organizes a local 5K run which takes place throughout many of the major streets of Greenpoint to help fund their school program. Now in its 20th year, the “Get To The Point” 5K has gotten bigger and better with each round. All racers receive chips which will track their race time down to the millisecond, but not everyone participating will be tracking their time so fastidiously.
Organizers of the race along with students participating in the "Get To The Point 5K" race. Photo by Matt Glasson.
Having participated in two of the 5K runs myself, I can tell you what a joy it is to run along the empty streets of Driggs, Franklin and Manhattan Ave.. All traffic gets closed off of the race route (just as it does during the marathon in November) – that alone makes the $20 entry fee worth the price of admission. Even if you’re not a regular runner and are up for the walk, it’s a great way to experience Greenpoint that is not often possible.
In addition to the race, participants all get their very own “Get to The Point” 5K t-shirt and are welcome to attend the afterparty held at St. Stan’s gym auditorium. Food and drink are served at the afterparty (typically burgers, hot dogs and pizza – y’know – fitness food!) Last year, the Brooklyn Brewery donated a dozen cases of beer, much to the relief of the 21-plus racing crowd.
Race organizer Frank Carbone works the crowd into a frenzy at the 5K afterparty celebration. Photo by Matt Glasson.
The afterparty is a trip in and of itself as the auditorium fills up with a wide array of local flavor and trophies get handed out for the winners of the race. In addition, they hold other contests for prizes donated by various local sponsors. The race manages to attract both young and old and the diehards from the North Brooklyn Runners. Registration can be done online in advance or on race day, though the cost is $5 more and you aren’t guaranteed a t-shirt!
Justine posted about this last year, but it’s worth another mention along with photos. At St. Stan’s over on Driggs, there is an amazing flea market on weekends, a real flea market, with flea market prices. I always stop in after I hit up the Greenmarket. You won’t find overpriced vintage items, but useful things for your home, like glassware, sewing supplies, appliances, VCRs, and religious figurines.
Today they had a juicer, a crazy accordion, gently used coats, decent furniture and an entire room dedicated to toys and children’s books. Kids don’t need new anything. They grow out of their clothes after one wear and destroy everything. Aside from cribs and strollers, you can buy this pretend purple coffee maker to teach your kid to abuse caffeine. It was right next to the fake cigarettes.
You can drop off donations there and according to Justine’s post, there is a cafe on Sunday’s, which I’ve yet to check out. I will report back soon.
