Trans Fire Island Run
Saturday, July 19, 2008
What is it?: The Trans Fire Island Run (TFIR) is an annual fun running event organized by members of the Northport Running Club. The event originated as a small group of runners running the 23 mile from Smiths Point (the end of William Floyd Parkway) and running through every town/village/hamlet of Fire Island, finally ending up in the town of Kismet (2 miles from Robert Moses field 5). Over the years the event has grown in popularity, and varies from year to year. So years its had well over 50 runners. In recent years the full 23 mile run has had less runners than the more popular optional "half TFIR", which leaves off the first 12 miles, which is mostly along the protected National Seashore. The "half TFIR" runs the remaining 11 miles, starting at the Fire Island Pines, and ending at Kismet.
There are, of course, many stops during the run for the runners to regroup, take a dip, have a cold one, and just enjoy yourself. Having fun is, by the way, the main purpose of the event. The TFIR is not a race, and runners that blaze the distance will miss much of the fun.
Who's invited?: Everyone. Past TFIRs have included runners from most every Long Island running club, including some from NYC and out of town, as well as others that just enjoy running and having a good time.
Transportation: All runners must arrange for their own transportation. Options include car pooling, train, or bus. Runners might consider parking at the Bay Shore LIRR station and taking the train to Sayville (for the half). Returning from Fire Island is via ferry to Bay Shore, and the train station is less than a mile away.
What to Bring: Wear shorts suitable for swimming. Bare tops/bikinis are not allowed in some Fire Island towns (i.e. Fine$). A water bottle is helpful. Recommend is a fanny pack to hold sun block, money, and possibly a spare tee shirt (in a plastic bag).
Cost: There is no charge for members. There is also no charge for non-members. Anyone that would like to pay an entrance fee please contact me an we can arrange payment. Remember, though, to bring enough money for food, refreshments, ferry, etc..
TFIR Schedule
| TIME | DESCRIPTION |
| 7:00am | The traditional "Full TFIR" starts at 7:00am at the Smith's Point. The first 7 miles are along the wilderness beach. No paths. No water. No facilities. The runners would regroup at Davis Park for a photo-op; Swim; Showers are available. The runners continue on towards the Fire Island Pines to meet with the remaining "Half TFIR" runners. |
| 9:00-10:00am | "Half TFIR" runners meet at the Bay Shore railroad station for train to Sayville. At Sayville runners can take the ferry shuttle bus, rent a cab, or simply jog from the Sayville RR to the ferry. Make sure you take the train/ferry combo will get you to the Fire Island Pines by noon. |
| 12:00pm | Runners of the "half" TFIR would meet up with the "full" runners at Fire Island Pines ferry dock. Following a photo-op, runners begin the second half (approx. 11 miles) which includes Sailor's Haven (showers), the Sunken Forest, and a brief stop at Flynn's in Ocean Bay Park.. |
| 2:00pm | Lunch in Ocean Beach |
| 4:00pm | At the end of the run in Kismet their is always the optional "Dennis Howe Ocean Swim" |
| 4:00-4:30pm | The run officially ends at The Out pub in Kismet. Happy hour celebration - dancing. Other party runners/non-runners can take the ferry from Bay Shore, or walk the 2 miles from Robert Moses Field #5 to meet with the TFIR runners. |
| ???? | Take return ferry to Bay Shore and walk/jog to Bay Shore railroad station to pick up cars. |
