Runners from Hicksville and all over Long Island are cordially invited to be part of the 18th annual edition of Long Island Blood Services Rob’s Run, a 5 Kilometer cross country run, which will be held on Sunday, Nov. 28, at Stillwell Woods Park in Syosset.
The run will start promptly at 9:15 on the morning of Nov. 28. Registration and number/shirt pickup will be at the Center for Developmental Disabilities, on South Woods Road directly adjacent to Stillwell Woods, from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m.
Rob’s Run will once again be sponsored by Long Island Blood Services and will be staged by the Greater Long Island Running Club under the direction of co-Race Directors James Murray and Sue Fitzpatrick, who are hard at work putting the finishing touches on this individual and team competition that has become Long Island’s premier cross country event and a great way to enjoy the beauties of Stillwell Woods.
The Town of Oyster Bay and its Parks Department continues its support this year as well, with Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia, a firm supporter of recreational sporting events, representing the town.
Garden City runners have always played a major role in Rob’s Run. In the 2010 edition of Rob’s Run, a strong local contingent included veteran Garden City runner Karen Pompay, whose time of 21:08 earned her third place honors in the 35-39 age group. Race officials are looking for another big turnout from Garden City to join in the cross-country fun on Nov. 28.
As in the past, Rob’s Run is dedicated to the memory of Rob Lauterborn, an extraordinary human being, talented runner, and good friend, who was taken from us at far too young an age. The net proceeds of Rob’s Run will once again be turned over to the ASPIRE Program for the rehabilitation of young amputees, victims of bone cancer and traumatic amputations.
If you are a veteran of Rob’s Run, or if you are otherwise familiar with the beauties of Long Island’s trails, you know what a great morning this is going to be. If you’ve never had the nerve to try running cross-country before, this is an easy way of introducing yourself to the wonders of the woods and of getting an entirely new perspective on late Fall running.
Entry fees are $20 for those who pre-register and $25 for those who wait till the day of the Run. There is a 50 percent discount for High School and younger runners. (Those who donated a pint of blood at the Athletes for Life Summer Blood Drive get a free entry into Rob’s Run!) Everyone who registers is guaranteed one of the great commemorative giveaways that have been the highlight of Rob’s Run since its inception.
Rob’s Run will once again feature $200 team stipends to be awarded to the first place Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Masters and Women’s Masters teams (USA Track & Field — Long Island member teams only). The 2010 edition of Rob’s Run will once again be the “grand finale” of the USATF-LI Cross Country Series as well.
Unique award plaques will be presented to the top three male and female individual finishers overall, and the top three male and top three female finishers in each of 14 five year age groups ranging from 14 and under through 80 and over. There will also be team awards, presented to the top three teams (four runners per team) in each of the following divisions: male, female and coed open, male, female and coed masters, male and female senior masters (all runners age 50 plus), middle school boys, middle school girls, high school boys, and high school girls. Enter as an individual or enter as part of a team – but don’t miss Nov. 28 for a great morning of cross-country running!
For entry forms or more information, contact Linda at at (516) 349-7646, or you can register online at www.glirc.org. To volunteer, call Mindy at 516 520-9481.
