Brooklyn, N.Y. 鈥� June 6, 2011 鈥� It is time for runners, walkers, and animal lovers to gear up and sign up for the Wildlife Conservation Society Run for the Wild in Brooklyn 鈥� kicking off at WCS鈥檚 New York Aquarium.
Registration has opened online for the run which is set for Sunday, Oct. 9. Starting times: 8 a.m. for the run; and 8:45 a.m. for the run/walk. Those who register during the month of June will receive the early-turtle discount of $5 off regular registration fees. Children and seniors will also receive a reduced rate.听
To register go to: wcsrunforthewild.org/nyaquarium.
The route of this 5K run and family fun run/walk will take participants along the famed Coney Island Boardwalk and is dedicated to helping WCS save sea turtles and their habitats. Proceeds will be dedicated to saving turtles and wildlife and wild places around the globe.
鈥淢any aquatic animals face serious threats in oceans and waterways around the world,鈥� said John F. Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. 鈥淏ecause of habitat loss, pollution, and other factors, several turtle species are facing extinction. Everyone who participates in the WCS Run for the Wild 鈥� by running, walking, or sponsoring a runner or team 鈥� will be doing a tremendous service for turtle populations everywhere.鈥�
Said Jon Forrest Dohlin, WCS Vice President and Director of the New York Aquarium, 鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited about hosting this annual WCS event in Brooklyn for the first time. The WCS Run for the Wild will be a fun, exciting and rewarding day for all those who participate.鈥�
Said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, 鈥淭he Run for the Wild 5K on land will help our creatures at sea-and let's face it, saving the world's sea turtles and other wildlife is one race none of us can afford to lose. Kudos to the 菊花视频 for 鈥榮helling鈥� out the proceeds the run/walk will generate to ensure our beautiful sea turtles and other precious wildlife will be around for generations to come.鈥�
Said Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., 鈥淭he WCS Run for the Wild is a fantastic opportunity for the New York Aquarium to extend its reach to a worldwide cause. Besides protecting endangered animals and habitats, it will bring people together in Coney Island to experience the aquarium, and to learn about the environment. This is an incredibly exciting event, and I believe this is going to become a great tradition in the years to come.鈥�
Here鈥檚 the schedule for the day: The 5K race for runners will begin at 8 a.m.; casual runners and walkers can take part in the Family Fun Run/Walk at 8:45 a.m.
The run promises an exciting day at Coney Island. There will be plenty of post-run activities at WCS鈥檚 New York Aquarium.
After the run, participants are invited to visit with the sea turtles and other aquatic creatures at the New York Aquarium. Everyone will enjoy the many fascinating exhibits including the new Conservation Hall and Glover鈥檚 Reef, home to aquatic animals native to Belize, the Pacific Ocean鈥檚 Coral Triangle, Africa鈥檚 Great Lakes and Brazil鈥檚 Flooded Forest.
Turtles are reptiles that are in serious trouble. Though they have survived for about 220 million years and once roamed the Earth with the dinosaurs, half of all turtle and tortoise species are now threatened with extinction. Proceeds from WCS鈥檚 Run for the Wild will go to WCS conservation efforts to combat threats that plague this animal, including habitat loss and poaching.
This event will sell out, so register early. For more information, to register or sponsor a runner/team, visit wcsrunforthewild.org/nyaquarium. 听
Contact:Barbara Russo 鈥� 718-265-3428; brusso@wcs.orgMax Pulsinelli 鈥� 718- 220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org听听 Steve Fairchild 鈥� 718-220-5189; sfairchild@wcs.org
Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium opens every day of the year at 10am, and closing times vary seasonally. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 3-12 and $11.95 for senior citizens (65 and older); children under 3 years of age are admitted free. A limited-time Thrills and Gills combo ticket can be purchased online at or www.lunaparknyc.com, offering a combined 20 percent reduced admission at both attractions; combo tickets can be purchased听through July 31.听Fridays after 3pm, admission is by suggested donation. The Aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other Aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at http://www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the New York Aquarium, Brooklyn's most heavily attended attraction and a beloved part of the City of New York.
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world鈥檚 largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a Web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to wcs.org.
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