Michael and Jeanne McBride started Katie’s Run in 2010 to keep their daughter’s memory alive after her death from cancer two years before.
Since then, the annual 5K run has “taken on a life of its own” in the New Hyde Park community and beyond, driven by help from volunteers and others, Michael McBride said.
“Through their support we are able just to transfer the support in Katie’s name, which is very meaningful to us as a family,” he said.
Katie’s Run is expected to continue that growth this year, with the eighth annual 5K through New Hyde Park set for Sunday, June 25.
Some 500 runners have registered to participate already, McBride said.
The run is sponsored by the Katie McBride Foundation, which the family created to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island in New Hyde Park.
The McBrides stayed there while Katie received treatment for Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare childhood cancer. She died in March 2008 at age 11.
Last year, more than 1,000 people participated in the 5K run, two-mile walk and post-run festival at New Hyde Park’s Memorial Park. The festival features a barbecue and children’s activities including face-painting, a bounce house and a short “fun run” to the 5K finish line.
To make registration easier on the day of the run and at the pre-race pasta dinner the Friday before, the foundation will have four kiosks where runners can sign up electronically rather than using paper forms, McBride said.
Katie’s Run has raised $100,000 for the Ronald McDonald House since 2010 and $120,000 more for other local charities, scholarships and families in need, according to the Katie McBride Foundation’s website.
The foundation gives five scholarships each year to graduating seniors from New Hyde Park Memorial High School, Chaminade High School and East Islip High School, McBride said.
“As we continue to help families, we create relationships with those families, and that’s how we continue to grow,” he said.
The run has become a major community event in New Hyde Park, drawing a crowd mostly from the surrounding area, McBride said.
For McBride, one word best describes its success: “inspiring.”
“It’s achieving one of our primary goals — to keep Katie’s memory alive through these good acts of charity and kindness,” he said.
Katie’s Run will kick off at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 25, at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home, located at 506 Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park.
Runners can register online in advance or in person on the day of the run.
