Eagle Scout Project to Bring 5K Race to Adelphi

Garden City Boy Scout Jack Aneser's Eagle Scout project will bring a charity 5K run to Adelphi University this St. Patrick's Day.

Aneser, a scout with Troop 55 in Garden City and a junior at Chaminade High School, said net proceeds of the Eagle Run will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A shoe drive will be held during the event to benefit Soles for Soles, an organization that collects new and used shoes for the poverty stricken.

The desire to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Soles for Souls came naturally to Jack, a runner himself. His sister, Kelly, is a Leukemia survivor and his Dad, Ken, is race director of the famed Garden City Turkey Trot.

Aneser, like most kids, has many pairs of sneakers and cleats he no longer needs. According to EPA statistics, Americans threw away approximately 790,000 tons of footwear and apparel in 2012.

“When I realized we could have a fun day and raise money for a great cause and hold a shoe drive, I knew this I what I wanted to do for my Eagle Project. It takes a lot of work to pull off a good race but once the community gets involved things really come together” Aneser said.  

The race will consist of a quarter-mile mile Fun Run for younger runners at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K at 10 am.

Aneser would like to thank, among many others, Adam Siepiola, assistant athletic director, media & external relations for Adelphi University; Tammy Philie, executive director, Long Island chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; and Troop 55 Scout Master John O’Hare for their assistance to date.

Fellow Troop 55 scouts Scouts will help Aneser with pre-race and race day activities as will his Chaminade classmates. Many Garden City residents will be helping Aneser organize the race and solicit corporate sponsorships.  

Interested in volunteering for the race or sponsoring the race? Contact Jack Aneser at eaglerun5k@gmail.com. Please bring shoes for the shoe drive. All types of shoes and sneakers will be accepted: athletic, running, dress, sandals, pumps, heels, work boots, dance. New or used cleats, flip flops, crocs, etc. No moldy or muddy shoes please.

No parking will be available at the race site. The race course is entirely within Adelphi’s campus. Please get dropped off or park on surrounding streets. Parking on Adelphi’s campus is prohibited.

Race T-shirts guaranteed to the first 250 registered runners. Visit www.eaglerun5k.com to register online and for more race information.