York College Community Steps Up for the Jamaica Q 5K Walk/Run

The York College community recently brought energy, enthusiasm, and school pride as students, faculty and staff participated in the fourth annual Jamaica Q 5K Walk/Run on September 27. The event, hosted on a USATF-certified course, drew more than 690 participants eager to celebrate health, wellness, and unity through fitness.

The event opened with speakers Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; York President Claudia Schrader; Michelle Stoddart, VP Community Development at Resorts World New York City; York student Kylian Elliot, who sang the National Anthem; and Queens Public Library President & CEO, Dennis Walcott; and Medgar Evers College VP, Dr. Earl Simon, who both served as the event’s co-grand marshals.

Participants of all ages and abilities laced up for the challenge, ready to take on the course that wound through several parts of downtown Jamaica, Queens. The event fostered a strong sense of camaraderie—and York students volunteered at hydration points, and participants encouraged one another every step of the way.

Thanks to the event’s sponsors, the first 450 runners received free mobile lockers for storage, every registrant received a race t-shirt and numbered bib and, at the finish line, a medal. The Jamaica Q 5K was made possible through the community partnership of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, York College/CUNY, NYC Council Member Nantasha Williams, the Downtown Jamaica Partnership BID, Resorts World New York City, the Queens Public Library, YMCA of Greater New York, Jamaica branch, Northwell Health, Ponce Bank and many others. Numerous city agencies played an essential roles, including NYPD, MTA, DOT, DSNY, LIRR, Con Edison and National Grid.

The finish line celebration captured the true spirit of York—determined, driven, and deeply connected. Many York College participants expressed pride in their accomplishment and in seeing their college serve as both host and hub for a growing community tradition centered on wellness and civic engagement. Some walked or ran for health, some for the love of the open air and others walked for loved ones lost who could not be there to walk with them.

As York College continues to champion initiatives that promote health, awareness and togetherness, the Jamaica Q 5K serves as a powerful reminder that when the community moves together, everyone crosses the finish line stronger and more determined.