Seaford, NY – As Australia’s historic and catastrophic wildfires trickle out of U.S. headlines, the fires continue to rage, engulfing entire towns and more than 20 million acres of land. To continue to raise awareness and support for this unprecedented national crisis, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined the region’s leading race curators elitefeats, RaceAwesome, EventPower and PR Timing to promote the Land Down Under 5k being held at the County’s Cedar Creek Park on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
One hundred percent of registration fees will go directly to the CFA (Victoria Country Fire Authority) and the RFS (NSW Rural Fire Authority). In addition, proceeds from T-shirt sales will be directed to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, home of the Irwin’s. With three days to go, so far, the race has secured more than 500 participants and raised approximately $25,000. To register or donate, please visit: elitefeats.com?DownUnder
“I have been deeply saddened to hear of the continued bushfires and their devasting impact across Australia,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “As the headlines begin to subside, these fires and their terrible effects continue to ravage the country, killing an estimated 1.25 billion animals to date. I want to thank the leaders of Long Island’s running community for coming together to raise support for wildlife recovering efforts and the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to combat this unprecedented environmental crisis. So please, put on your parkas and brave the cold for the koalas and kangaroos!”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to take action in the global community, raising funds for the Australian Bushfire Relief. It is humbling to be part of the Land Down Under 5K which brings together the Long Island running community; a collective of event producers, great sponsoring organizations with the support of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Nassau County Parks & Recreation,” said Brendan Dagan, Acting CEO of elitefeats.
“RaceAwesome is SUPER proud to have partnered with elitefeats, EventPower & PR Timing to produce one sensational event, for a cause close to home. The Land Down Under 5k would not be possible without the support from Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums. We can’t thank everyone enough for all pulling this together so quickly to make a difference,” said Corey Roberts, Founder of RaceAwesome and an Australian native.
Corey Roberts isn’t the only local Australian native supporting the event. Australian natives and Merrick residents, Bernadette Murray and daughter Julia who will be participating in the race, joined the press conference to urge participation and support. In addition, to show their support and shed light on the initiative, Uniondale, East Norwich and Bethpage Fire Departments sent brush trucks to the press conference used to fight wildfires to serve as a backdrop.
EliteFeats has built out the registration platform and is providing the equipment and staff. PrTiming is providing the BIB’s, chips and staff. Both companies are doing this at zero cost. EventPower and RaceAwesome are providing staff, course set up, logistics, equipment, music, post-race soup and more, all at zero cost. There are no T-shirts or medals provided to runners to ensure every dollar goes to the charities. For more information, please visit: https://events.elitefeats.com/jan-2020-land-down-under-5k.
