Hundreds Participated in Catch A Cure 5K
The annual Rockaway Beach event honored cancer survivors and remembered those lost to the disease.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Running
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More than 400 runners and walkers gathered at the Rockaway Beach boardwalk on October 4 for the annual Catch A Cure 5K. The race honors local families impacted by cancer and raises funds to support them.
Why it matters
This long-standing community event serves as a vital platform for raising money to assist local families who are currently navigating the financial and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Ryan Sheridan secured the win with a chip time of 19:22, followed by Tom Patchett at 20:37 and William Mackay at 21:52. Over 400 individuals participated in the 5K, which began on the boardwalk at Beach 116th Street.
The players
Ryan Sheridan
He is the runner who achieved the fastest finish in the 5K event with a chip time of 19:22.
Tom Patchett
He finished the race in second place with a chip time of 20:37.
William Mackay
He completed the race in third place with a chip time of 21:52.
The details
Participants completed the course by running from Beach 116th Street to turnarounds at Beach 126th Street and Beach 97th Street. Following the event, runners received medals at The Wharf to mark their accomplishment and support the cause.
Timeline
The Catch A Cure 5K was established in 2017.
Pam O'Grady died in October 2018.
Jack Palmese died in November 2025.
Kerri O'Shea died in January 2026.
The 2026 Catch A Cure 5K took place on October 4, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The event continues to anchor the local athletic calendar, maintaining a tradition that began in 2017. Its consistency helps sustain annual support networks within the community, reinforcing the event's role in local charitable outreach.
Participants who completed the 5K finished with official chip times, with Ryan Sheridan setting the benchmark at 19:22. The event required athletes to navigate specific turnarounds at Beach 126th Street and Beach 97th Street to record their final race results.
The takeaway
The race serves as a powerful reminder of how individual athletic efforts can translate into collective support for those in need. Interested community members should look for future announcements regarding next year's registration to continue this tradition of local advocacy.
Further reading
For more information on the local running scene, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Wave - Rockaway's Newspaper since 1893 | 718-634-4000.
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Do you typically participate in local charity 5K races or community fundraising events?
