17th John May Mile, 5K Race Unfolds At Peconic Landing In May

GREENPORT, NY — A beloved annual event is back: Peconic Landing will host the 17th Annual John May Mile and 5K Race to benefit the Greenport Fire Department on Saturday, May 13.

The family-friendly event will feature a barbecue lunch, raffles, and more.

The John May Mile and 5K fundraiser is open to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness abilities, offering both a relaxed mile-long walk and a more challenging 3.1-mile run, organizers said.

Registration and stretching begin at 7 a.m. at Brecknock Hall with the race and walk to start at 9 a.m. Runners and walkers may register here.

Since inception in 2005, the annual John May Mile and 5K has raised more than $325,000 to support the local first responders. The most recent event in 2022 contributed a total of $23,125, helping to purchase and maintain rescue equipment vital to keeping fire department volunteers safe during response efforts, Peconic Landing said.

"Greenport Fire Department’s marine squad is working hard to try and secure funds for a vitally needed firefighting and rescue boat," said firefighter and EMT Jordan Arnold in a statement made prior to the event. "This much-appreciated donation will help with that effort and our mission to save lives and property on and along an ever more active waterfront."

An awards ceremony will follow the race at 10:30 a.m. on the back lawn of Brecknock Hall. As part of this ceremony, Peconic Landing will present The Older American’s Champion Award to Charles Cuddy, Peconic Landing’s longtime attorney. The annual award honors local individuals or organizations for their years of service and continued dedication to older Americans, acknowledging the contributions they make to improve the lives of older adults on the East End of Long Island, Peconic Landing said.

"Charles has been with Peconic Landing since the very beginning, and his commitment to our mission has been invaluable to our organization’s long-term growth and success,” said Robert J. Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing. “His legal expertise and commitment to ethical and responsible business practices have helped us to achieve our goals while making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve as well as those in the greater community."