The start line for the Al Goldstein Speed Series 5K in June 2019

For so many Brooklynites, summer isn’t summer without the Al Goldstein Speed Series 5Ks, seven mid-week races that are just shy of a loop of Prospect Park. Taking place every other Wednesday evening, starting in late May and finishing in mid-August, it’s a wildly popular series that honors Al Goldstein, President of PPTC from 1990-1996, who passed away in 2019. PPTC people were all looking forward to honoring Al, showcasing a bench in his honor at the kickoff of the next summer’s series.

And then 2020 happened. In-person racing was off the table. One by one, all the races across the city – across the world – were canceled. AGSS was not going to happen in 2020.

But - AGSS WILL happen in 2021! We will race together again. It’s going to be a little different than it’s been in the past, to keep everyone as safe as possible. Here’s what you need to know (BUT: this info is subject to change, so please see the race website for the most current updates):

Races will take place on Wednesday evenings: 5/26, 6/9, 6/23, 7/7, 7/21, 8/4, and 8/18. There will be three waves of runners, starting at 6:45, 7:00, and 7:15 pm.
Entry fee is $15 per race.
In the past, runners could purchase the whole series of seven races for a discounted price. That’s not available this year. Our reasoning is - we want as many people to be able to participate.
Also, people can only register for one race at a time; registration will be open two weeks before each race.
There are a LIMITED NUMBER OF ENTRIES, per NYC Parks Dept. So we’re asking people to please, only register for races you’re sure you can participate in.
There are a limited number of slots set aside for PPTC members to register 24 hours prior to public registration opening.
Runners who identify as non-binary will have that option at registration.
Each race will start and end on East Drive near LeFrak Center.
Runners will need to wear a mask at the start and at the end of the race, but not on the course unless they can't be socially distanced. We’re asking people to please be respectful of others and mindful of continuing public health concerns.
We will be offering bag check (thus, we’ll need our wonderful volunteers) yet we won’t have water stations. While it’s a good idea to bring your own water, there will be individual water bottles and water fountains available at the finish.
There won’t be an award ceremony at the end of the race; PPTC won’t be posting printed copies of the results (they’ll be available online). We’re discouraging people from gathering at the LeFrak Center afterwards. These precautions are in line with CDC guidelines; if those change, we’ll consider changes also.

As always, a portion of the race proceeds is donated to charity partners. PPTC will announce these soon.

We’re going to do our absolute best to make the series as enjoyable as possible for as many as possible. Volunteer! Socially-distance and cheer your family & friends from the sidelines! Welcome back to racing in Prospect Park.

That’s a wrap, folks! You made it to the finish line.

PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to celebrate the diversity of our club and membership. We welcome and encourage everyone to share their stories with us.

Text by: Donna Newton (she/her)
Photos: Larry Sillen (he/him)
Race info provided by: Crystal Cun (she/her) and Stephanie Mei (she/her)
Produced by: Rachael DePalma (she/her)

The Return of the Al Goldstein Speed series