2019 Winter Run Series returning to Long Island state parks

More than a thousand intrepid runners will take the weather in stride this January, walking, jogging and sprinting through winter wonderlands in the 25th annual state parks Winter Run series.

A total of 850 runners have already signed up for the series of 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) races, which begin on Sunday, Jan. 6, at Heckscher State Park in East Islip, and continue on the following three Sundays through January 27. Last year, 1,100 contestants runners participated, running outdoors wearing crazy hats and patriotic costumes, vying for medals and cold-weather race bragging rights.

Robert Shimonski, 45, of Plainview, a director of information technology for Northwell Health, ran the Sunken Meadow and Jones Beach events last year, and plans to be back in the field this month.

“They take you through a decent stretch of the parks. It’s nice scenery, and definitely better than a treadmill,” says Shimonski, who runs the series races as a “tuneup” for half marathons later.

Long Island State Parks officials jazz up the proceedings with themes ranging from patriotic to kooky. The Jones Beach race’s USA Pride theme inspires the wearing of red, white and blue leggings and American flag caps. Runners traditionally don super hero capes at Robert Moses State Park on Jan. 13, crazy hats at Sunken Meadow on Jan. 20, and sports team jerseys at Jones Beach on Jan. 27.

Regardless of the theme, sunny January thaw days tend to attract the most runners, state parks officials say.

Last year’s Sunken Meadow race, featuring the only course that leaves the roadway to follow a boardwalk (along the scenic Long Island Sound beachfront) and a paved trail, drew 773 finishers. That compares with 592 finishers at Robert Moses and 525 at Jones Beach. (Last year’s Heckscher race was canceled because of inclement weather.)

After each race, runners can refuel with free hot chocolate, granola bars, juice, a piece of fruit, bagels or doughnuts. Some will take home medals at an awards ceremony honoring the first three male and female finishers in 18 age categories (from kids 12 and under to seniors 90+).

In addition, each registered runner is entered in a raffle with prizes that include $75 gift cards and a free registration in next year’s series.

Some runners return year after year just for the fresh air and wildlife sightings.

“I’ve seen deer along the beach at Heckscher or at Fire Island,” says one multiyear runner, Bob Cook, 73. “The air seems clear and there’s no humidity most of the time,” adds Cook, who owns the Runner’s Edge running specialty shop in Farmingdale, a race sponsor.

For frequent entrant George Devoe, 86, of Hauppauge, a retired Grumman aerospace engineer, the rewards of a cold-weather race include “a runner’s high.”

Says Devoe: “I really feel sharp and upbeat at the end of the run.”