Hicksville’s own Anton Berzins scored with a big performance at the Capital One Bank Blazing Trails 4-Autism 4-Mile Run held in Great Neck on Sunday, Nov. 8.
Berzins crossed the finish line in 27 minutes, 22 seconds – a pace of 6:51 per mile – bringing him to the finish line on the track at Great Neck South High School as the first finisher in the Clydesdale 185 to 199 Weight Division.
A total of 790 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes were recorded as successfully completing the four-mile course.
The entire net proceeds of the run were dedicated to Eden II Programs/The Genesis School, and their efforts to provide people with autism specialized community-based programs and other opportunities, with the goal of enabling them to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Race management was provided by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC), under the leadership of Race Director Robyn Schneider, GLIRC President Mike Polansky, Course Coordinator Amy Goldstein and Volunteer Coordinator Mindy Davidson.
A special thank you to title sponsor Capital One Bank; presenting sponsors Brickwell Cycling & Multisports and the Jack Fanning Foundation; major sponsors Panera Bread, CD&B Management Attorneys, Anton Media Group, Different Roads to Learning, Tekniverse and the Jack Fanning Memorial Foundation; and supporting sponsors Lynbrook Runner’s Stop, ABApianolessons.com, Frazer & Feldman, LLP, O’Connor, Davies, Munns & Dobbins and Pamela’s Products.
“The 2009 Blazing Trails 4 Autism 4 Mile Run was a great effort for what is developing into a major Long Island event for many years to come,” said Schneider. “Our thanks and congratulations to Shari and all our other Plainview friends for making the event a success.”
