27th Annual Long Island 6 Hour 60th Birthday Celebration Run & Relay Returns September 27

Runners and walkers of every age and ability will gather at Belmont Lake State Park on Sunday, September 27, for the 27th Annual Long Island 6 Hour 60th Birthday Celebration Run & Relay, a one-of-a-kind endurance event celebrating community, honoring the sport's rich traditions and raising funds for local charitable organizations.

Presented with All Round Foods serving as the event's lead sponsor, along with additional support from Vincent and Suzanne Del-Cid, this year's event celebrates the 60th birthdays of runners born in 1966—the race's "Class of '66"—while honoring the memory of longtime race supporters Fred von der Heydt, Nick Palazzo, Bob Sherman and Vinnie Croce, whose passion and dedication helped establish and sustain one of Long Island's most beloved endurance traditions. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and the Northport Running Club Youth Program, which provides opportunities for young runners, including many with special needs.

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Beginning at 8:30 a.m., participants are invited to run or walk as many—or as few—miles as they choose during the six-hour event on a scenic 2.5-mile loop through Belmont Lake State Park. Individual competitors, along with male, female and coed relay teams of four and six runners, will compete to cover the greatest distance while enjoying a festive atmosphere featuring fully stocked aid stations, music, camaraderie and a post-race celebration with food and refreshments.

"For 27 years, this event has been about much more than endurance," said Myron Bellovin, Race Director. "It's about bringing people together, honoring the friends we've lost, supporting worthwhile causes and welcoming everyone—from first-time walkers to experienced ultrarunners—to be part of something special. We're incredibly grateful to Glen Wolther and All Round Foods, as well as Vincent and Suzanne Del-Cid, for their generosity and continued commitment. Their support allows us to preserve this tradition, honor those who came before us and give back to organizations that make a real difference in our community."

For years, All Round Foods has been one of Long Island's strongest supporters of the local running community, sponsoring races and charitable fitness events that encourage healthy, active lifestyles throughout the region.

"Running has always been about more than competition—it's about community," said Glen Wolther, President and Co-Founder of All Round Foods. "This event brings together people of every age and ability while honoring the individuals whose vision and dedication built a tradition that has endured for nearly three decades. We're proud to support an event that celebrates healthy living, gives back to outstanding local organizations and reminds us of the power of people coming together for something bigger than themselves. It's an honor for All Round Foods to once again be part of this incredible event."

In addition to the support of All Round Foods and Vincent and Suzanne Del-Cid, the event continues to benefit from the generosity of longtime community partners whose contributions have become part of the race's tradition. Runner's Edge will once again provide raffle prizes for participants, while Woodbury Deli continues its remarkable commitment of donating food for the post-race celebration—a tradition it has maintained throughout all 27 years of the event.

Unlike a traditional road race, the six-hour format allows participants to tailor the experience to their own goals. Some runners use the event as a marathon training run, others challenge themselves to complete as many miles as possible, while many simply enjoy the opportunity to spend the day with fellow runners and walkers. The 2.5-mile loop provides easy access to aid stations, teammates and spectators, creating an energetic atmosphere that has made the event a fixture within the Long Island running community for nearly three decades.

Every participant will receive a commemorative event sweatshirt, while runners born in 1966 who register by September 7 will receive a special "Class of '66" hooded sweatshirt recognizing their milestone birthday. Awards will be presented to the top individual finishers and relay teams, followed by a post-race celebration featuring food, refreshments and fellowship.

Registration is now open at events.elitefeats.com/26sixhour. Runners and walkers of all experience levels are encouraged to participate individually or as members of four- or six-person relay teams.