Plainview resident Shari Klarfeld scored as the first woman overall in the 6th annual Blazing Trail’s 4-Autism 4 Mile Run through the streets of East Meadow on Saturday, Nov. 23. Klarfeld covered the four miles in 25 minutes, 13 seconds; a pace of just over six minutes per mile. bringing her to the finish line on the grounds of St. Raphael’s Parish Church 11 seconds in front of the second place female finisher, Una Broderick of Wantagh.
This year’s race featured new elements including a new community location, with a new school and a new flat course snaking through the charming East Meadow neighborhood. But just as in past events, every entrant and volunteer received high quality hoodies, an array of post-race refestments, quick and accurate results courty of JMS Racing Services and a generous raffle highlighted by a televison set and two JetBlue tickets.
Among the 863 finishers were several other award winners from local communities including Ken Colantuoni of Plainview (second Clydesdale 185-199 Weight Division), Patty Santella of Syosset (third woman 45-49 age group), Kim Solomine of Syosset (first woman 55-59 age group), Glen Wolther of Jericho (third 55-59 age group), Pamela Lee of Syosset (first woman 60-64 age group), Barry Jerson of Plainview (first 65-69 age group), Howard Kestenbaum of Plaiview (first 80-84 age group) and Bert Jablon of Syosset (first 85-89 age group).
The entire net proceeds of the Run are once again dedicated to the Eden II and Genesis Foundation, which supports children and adults with autism through specialized programs designed to help them achieve the highest possible quality of living throughout their lives. Nicole Vaughan of Eden II Genesis did an excellent job as the new liaison with the Greater Long island Running Club that managed the event.
