Leonora Petrina made it look easy again this year. The internationally ranked Bayport superstar crossed the finish line on the track at Farmingdale High School in 16:39 (one second faster than in 2010) in the 28th annual Runner’s Edge Long Island Women’s 5 Kilometer Run. Petrina also won the Paula Wunderlich Memorial Award as the first member of the Greater Long Island Running Club to finish.
Top finishers from Farmingdale included Tara Gangarossa (25:56), Erin Stoeber (25:57), Clara Sheehan (27:46), Christina Vargas (27:46), Nancy Mangieri (27:54), Jessica Mangieri (27:55), Arielle Homedo (28:05), Jillian Gemma (28:05), Noelle Cutter (28:15), Melissa Scardina (29:04), Meagan Ryan (29:14), Lauren Milana (30:03), Caitlin Milana (30:20), Tracie Razzagone (30:23), Louann Vargas (30:25), Kathleen Gangarossa (30:42) and Nancy Einhart (30:56).
Race Debbie Blair can take justifiable pride in having done an excellent job as director of the event once again, “Aunt” Amy Goldstein of Farmingdale handling the Women’s Fun Run, Carl Grossbard coordinating volunteers, Fred von der Heydt heading up course and finish line logistics (with a big assist from Nick Palazzo and Ryan Fitzpatrick), and Terry Bisogno doing another incredible job as the finish line and Awards announcer.
Special thanks go to all the local officials who were on hand at the Run to show their support: New York State Assemblyman Joe Saladino, Nassau County Legislators Judy Jacobs, Joe Belesi and Rose Marie Walker, and Oyster Bay Town Board members Tony Macagnone and Rebecca Alesia. Special credit goes to County Legislator Belesi for helping out in setting up the water at the finish line.
A big thank you to the Facilities staff at Farmingdale High School for an effort that was above and beyond what the job required!
