The 30th Year for Ellen’s Race/Walk

–If you haven’t been to the after-party for Alec Baldwin and Melissa Errico’s Fitzgerald-letter-reading at Guild Hall, or any late-night carousing at the Hub, or any other distraction on Saturday night — like a long celebration of a win (??) at the Artist-Writers Softball game on Saturday… (deep breath)

THEN

… you should be able to make it to the starting line on Sunday morning for Julie Ratner’s 5 K Run/Walk starting at the East Hampton High School. Beware, there is a $50 pre-registration fee, but you can run/walk remotely as well. Last year 1,000 people participated in person. Based on the film we’ve seen of the event, there is a burst of energy at the starting line. Certainly Sergey Avramenko, if he is back this year after winning the past four years, will be fast out of the gate.

But people who start ten minutes later seem to take a more liesurely approach. They arrive with dogs (off leash), stollers, in wheelchairs, with children in tow. Some of them look decidedly out of shape. Many of them are on the far side of 60. Their approach to the Walk/Run edges more toward saunter.

The most important thing on this day is the sense of joy, giving and community. Every woman who participates in the event and who has had breast cancer (or who has breast cancer) gets a rose. Many people are there because they have lost someone to breast cancer, including, you know, men.

For Julie Ratner, it’s personal. The “Ellen” in questuon was her sister, Ellen Hermanson, who died of breast cancer. The 5K event, which has raised $6 million since its beginning for locala services, has a mission to provide screening and care for the underserved on the East End.

That group may grow in the coming years, as hospitals lose some Medicare and Social Service programs.

Ellen’s Run therefore is even more important in funneling money toward this initiative. Julie said, “My goal is to break all our previous records on the number of runners and walkers who participate.”

Besides, she said, “it is really quite something. Full of high energy, love and great spirit.”

What more could anyone want on a Sunday morning?

And after that, you can find a place for waffles, hot coffee, maybe a Dutch baby or lox and cream cheese. As long as it’s not on a cinnamon-raisin bagel. — Linda Lee