QUEENS, NY – An annual Epilepsy Awareness Fundraising Run will bring together more than 1,000 participants from around the world – all without leaving northeast Queens.
The 5K World Tour, benefiting and organized by the Joanna Sophia Foundation, will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (at the edge of Bayside) and will end 3.1 miles later at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in White Stone.
Now in its third year, the fun run-slash-walk benefits the foundation to raise awareness for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a condition that caused the death of then-9-year-old Joanna Sophia. in 2018.
SUDEP has no cure, but the foundation – started by Joanna’s family – has raised tens of thousands of dollars for families struggling to pay epilepsy-related hospital bills, thanks in part to a partnership with the Cameron Boyce Foundation
Saturday’s race is part of those efforts, as tickets to the event start at $30, with proceeds going to the foundation. More than 1,000 people are expected and will participate, according to the organizers.
The race largely traces a path on Francis Lewis Boulevard, but participants will experience musical performances from different cultures along the way – including bagpipes, accordions, bouzouki and more.
The cultural entertainment and food continues at the finish line with shows and food stalls, organizers said.
Learn more about the event, including how to get last-minute entry, here.
