Forest Park Five-Mile Road Race on Sunday

Do it for exercise, personal records, and a good cause. This Sunday, the second annual Forest Park Toy Drive 5 Miler will lead participants up and down small hills and past some beautiful fields on the wide, tree-lined road inside Forest Park. Presented by the Queens Tourism Council and Queens Distance Runners, this fun run has a charitable aspect, too, as harriers are asked to bring Christmas toy donations, which the Queens Centers for Progress will collect and distribute to needy children. There’s also a social side, as refreshments and food will be served afterward. And for those with competitive spirits, Ricardo Cuahizo won the men’s division last year in 28:11, while Blanca Lucero finished first among the women with a 34:46 time. They are presumed to defend their titles. Plus, City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, who had a fine showing last year, is expected to return.

Details: Forest Park Toy Drive 5 Miler, the course loops twice through the park, starting and finishing at Forest Park Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard, Kew Gardens, December 7th, 9 am (registration at 8:30 am), $25/$30 on race day, and the first 50 registrants will receive Queens Distance Runners t-shirts. Plus, racers are asked to donate toys. Register here.