45th Annual Buckley’s-Kennedy’s Run on June 8

By Katie McFadden

Lace up those sneakers and get those hearts pumping for a good reason. The 45th Annual Buckley’s-Kennedy’s 5K Charity Run is Sunday, June 8.

The annual Buckley-Kennedy’s run, which was started by the late Jimmy Buckley, used to go from Buckley’s Restaurant in Brooklyn to Kennedy’s in Breezy Point. Now it’s a much shorter 5K that starts and ends in Breezy Point, but it’s all for a good cause!

All are welcome to participate in this 5K run/walk that benefits HeartShare Human Services of New York. HeartShare nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy and supports their families.

This year’s 45th Annual run is being held in loving memory of William Edwards, Ray Marten and John Molloy. Billy Edwards grew up in Brooklyn and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart. He loved horseracing, owned Skee’s Inn on Glenwood and Albany Ave., and worked alongside his brother, John, in the bakery business and helped inspire runners after moving to Rockaway. Edwards was a beloved father, grandfather and friend to many. He died after a battle with cancer on October 7, 2023.

Ray Marten, a Belle Harbor resident hailing from Marine Park, lit up every room he walked into and every 5K he ran. He was a beach lover, an athlete, including for the Rockaway Fishheads Rugby team, a devoted husband and father of four, and an eternal optimist, even through his battle with brain cancer. He died on June 4, 2022.

John Molloy was a resident of Staten Island but a Brooklyn native who spent his high school summer days working as a cabana boy at the Breezy Point Surf Club. He went on to become a decorated NYPD detective, counter-terrorism expert, and true family man to his wife and three kids. He died suddenly on October 23, 2023.

The event starts by the NYPD Center (across the street from St. Genevieve Church) on State Road in Roxbury at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 8 and finishes at the Breezy Point Baseball Field on Beach 210th Street. There will be a Family Fun Picnic at the ballfield from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where runners and guests can enjoy live music by Head Over Heels, plus, a BBQ (burgers and hot dogs, etc.) and drinks (including a beer truck). There is also a bouncy house and other games/activities for kids. The day tops off with the drawing of a big 50/50 raffle!

Early registration, by June 5, is $40. The price jumps to $50 after. Runners under 18 can register for $30.  Registration includes a t-shirt and entry to the post-race picnic.

Registration can be done in person on Friday, June 6 at Buckley’s Restaurant (2926 Avenue S, Brooklyn) from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. or at Kennedy’s (406 Bayside, Breezy Point) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at a Registration Party from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Buckley’s on Saturday, June 7 or at Kennedy’s from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or before the race starts, near the starting line by Roxbury from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on June 8.

Registration can also be done online at https://give.heartshare.org/BuckleysRun Those who register online can pick up their bib and t-shirt at the start line on June 8.

Sponsorship info, 50/50 info, tickets for just the picnic and more can also be found on the website. The event is rain or shine. For any questions, contact Mario Principato at 917-364-7715 or mario.principato@heartshare.org