This Saturday morning, the 14th annual Katy’s Courage 5K kicks off on Water Street in Sag Harbor, in honor of the late Katy Stewart, who died from hepatoblastoma, a rare pediatric liver cancer, back in December of 2010 at the age of 12.
Benefitting Katy’s Courage — a nonprofit founded in 2012 dedicated to education and support for families and children through scholarships, peer support groups, counseling and pediatric cancer research, with a dedicated focus to expand abilities and resources to provide help for those that need it — the race draws hundreds of participants from across the East End every year.
As is tradition, runners will start out on Water Street, head north and make a right turn onto Main Street, then a right onto Glover Street. The course continues through the Redwood neighborhood, finishing back on Water Street. Cost to register is $25 in advance and $30 the day of. Check-ins on race day are from 7 to 8:15 a.m., with the race beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m.
Each year, hundreds of participants turn out for the annual Katy’s Courage 5K in Sag Harbor. (Photos courtesy of WordHampton)
In addition to the 5K, annual events held locally to support fundraising efforts to continue the legacy of a young girl whose courage inspired the community include the Classical Students for Katy’s Courage benefit concert, where past venues have included Guild Hall and Bay Street Theater, as well as the Skate-a-Thon and Bake Sale at Buckskill Winter Club in East Hampton, which took place this past February.
According to the nonprofit’s website, every year scholarships are awarded to students who exemplify remarkable courage, kindness and empathy, just as Katy did through her brief, yet exceptional, lifetime. The Katy’s Courage Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research is based at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, the hospital where Katy underwent treatments.
“We look forward to the 5K every year! It’s the perfect way to kick off the spring season and bring our community together,” say Katy’s parents, Brigid Collins and Jim Stewart. “We love seeing both familiar faces and new participants, and it’s always inspiring to watch so many talented athletes take part. It means so much to have our friends, family, and supporters show up year after year to stand behind our mission.”
To register for the race, click here. If you can’t make the race, donations may be sent to P.O. Box 3251, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 or through their website.
