A strong field of 319 enthusiastic runners took aim at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration finish line in the first of the 2014 Jonas Chiropractic Run Nassau races.
Plainview was well-represented in the race, with Shari Klarfield finished in 19 minutes, 54 seconds for a pace of 6:25 per mile. That was good enough for second overall in the women’s category and earned her top honors in the 30-34 age group.
Also winning awards were Howard Kestenbaum of Plainview and Odd Sangesland of Plainview, who scored second and third respectively in the 80-84 age group. Bert Jablon of Syosset scored 1st in the 85 and over age group.
Chris Koegel of Malverne led all runners, scoring in 17:18 for the 5-k, 35 seconds in front of Anthony Chan of Central Park Track Club, with Jimmy Peck of Huntington Station in third place. The amazing 61 year old Kevin Carroll of Huntington Station was the first Masters finisher, coming in 5th overall in 19:27.
Sarah Alaei led all women with a time of 18:18.
With much of the “farm” area of the Village Restoration covered in snow, the host Long Island Running Club had no choice but to reroute the course onto the streets. The Town of Oyster Bay and the Nassau County Police Department did their part to help make the race happen despite the snow covered track.
Several elected officials were on hand to support the event, including Nassau County Legislators Rose Marie Walker, Michael Venditto and Don McKenzie, along with Oyster Bay Town Clerk Jim Altadonna.
The runners club also noted co-race directors Walter Keuffner and Plainview resident Larry Kurtzman.
