Farmingdale athletes Franklin Diaz, Billy Allen, and Chris Daily put on award winning performances during the 37th annual All Round Foods 10 kilometer run for ASPIRE, through the streets of Plainview and Old Bethpage on April 5.
Diaz crossed the finish line at the H.B. Mattlin Middle School in Plainview in 34 minutes and 34 seconds, for sixth place overall and first in the 30-34 age group. Allen finished in seventh place overall with a time of 35 minutes and 26 seconds, to earn the third place trophy in the 20-24 age group. Daily scored in 38 minutes, 45 seconds, in 17th place overall and first in the 50-54 age group, in what was one of the most competitive races on Long Island in the past year.
On the women’s side, the performance of Leonora Petrina was nothing short of incredible. Leo crossed the finish line in33:39, breaking the race record set by Angela Hearn in 1989 by more than a full minute. Runners-up Tara Wilson, Marilyn Caulfield, Kelly Perno
Grosser and Kathy Martin also turned in strong performances, but none of them was within four minutes of Leo. Kathy’s 39:47 set a new world record for the women’s 60-64 age group.
Congratulations and thanks to veteran Race Director Karen Schackner for another superb job of putting all the pieces together. Thanks as well to the ever generous Glen Wolther of title sponsor All Round Foods, and to Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and the amazing staff at Oyster Bay Town Parks and Recreation. Thanks as well to Bob Cook and The Runner’s Edge, to Aspire 10K official shoe company Mizuno, to supporting sponsors Cornerstone Properties, Top Lock Locksmith & Security, and Smith & DeGroat Real Estate.
Among the award winners from the local area was Matthew Wontz of Bethpage, who scored with third place honors in the 0-34 age group.
Continuing the theme of helping young peoplewho have had a rough break in life, we were please to welcome Friends of Karen as the new charitable beneficiary of the Aspire 10K. Since 1978, this fine organization has provided vital, practical and comprehensive support, at no cost, to families caring for more than12,700 local children…”so they never have to make this journey alone.”
— Submitted by the Greater Long Island Running Club
