The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful for the Helen Keller Walk/Run Race last Sunday, September 22, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Sands Point Preserve and ending at the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Adults.
Planners and participators were pleased with the new added dimension to this year’s 17th annual event in which runners were now invited to join walkers in the 5K/3.1 mile course. More than 200 participants made the morning a memorable one for 2013. There were not only people from Port Washington, but many surrounding towns including Plainview, Garden City and Atlantic Beach.
“We were delighted that the weather cooperated,” said Tom Edwards, CEO of Helen Keller Services for the Blind. “This is the first year that we combined it as a walk and run, and there was some concern about whether or not we could do both at the same time, but it worked out beautifully.
It was “a great event all around,” said Edwards. “We are so pleased with all the support.”
Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink and North Hempstead Town Clerk Leslie Gross came to cheer people on during the registration and to congratulate all at the finish line.
Local vendors rallied behind the new format, donating goods and services. TD Bank, Coldwell Banker, Let There Be Bagels, Bagel Boss, Starbuck of Port Washington, and Moolala Frozen Yogurt were all local supporters. It is believed that approximately $15,000 was raised for the event this year according to Deborah Rodriguez, Director of Communications and Development for the HKNC. Lesli Hiller, 47, of New Hyde Park, Nassau Third District Court Judge, placed first in the women’s overall category. Mike Palanda placed first in the “men’s overall category. Ivy S. and Zach Tillet won the “male/female overall physically challenged” category.
The course was measured by a company known as Finish Line Road Race Technicians owned and operated by David Katz, surveryor for the 2012 Olympics in London. The Sands Point route for this race was certified by the USA Track and Field and had the latest timing technology used at the New York City Marathons.
“We hoped that by adding runners, more people could be able to not only enjoy the beauty of Sands Point but also become supporters of the work done by HKNC for individuals who are deaf-blind,” said Richard Dzwlewicz, chairman of HKNC’s Operations Committee.
Visit www.flrrt.com for individual times and results for award winners in all categories of the race.
