The fifth annual Don Scott Memorial 5K Run took place on May 17 and more than 300 runners turned out to participate. “This is our biggest run so far,” said Don Scott’s son, named after his father. “We do this run to support colon cancer research and to help support Manhasset High School track and field and cross country.” The run is in memory of Don Scott, who was a teacher and coach at Manhasset High School for more than forty years. He died in 2010 after a battle with colon cancer.
Runners gathered in Mary Jane Davies Park on Plandome Road at about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. All participants received a T-shirt, water and snacks. Volunteers from the Manhasset track and field and cross country teams helped check in runners. These volunteers included Catherine Matteo, Kayleigh Caggiano and Olivia Plansker. Coincidentally, Matteo, Caggiano and Plansker came in first, second and third, respectively, for females age 13 to 19. Don Scott’s nephews Marc and Steve Salerno also helped check in runners. Scott’s widowed wife, Barbara, and other relatives were also in attendance.
Many students from Manhasset High School track and field and cross country and members of the Manhasset community participated in the race. Dion Mulvihill ran track at Manhasset High School more than 30 years ago. “Don Scott was my coach,” said Mulvihill. “This is my first time running this race but I have run four marathons. It’s a good cause.” There were families in attendance, like the Vissicchio family, who were running this race together for the first time. Many college students who ran track for Manhasset High School returned to participate in the event, like Serena Gibbons, who was home from Boston College.
Senator Jack Martins attended the event. “Long after graduating from school, we remember those special teachers who made a difference, who went above and beyond, and inspired us to succeed. During his four decades as an educator, Don Scott was one of those teachers,” said Martins. “Though he sadly is no longer with us, the foundation created in his memory is ensuring that he continues to make a difference in the lives of others. I’m pleased to support the foundation and the great work they are doing in Don Scott’s memory.”
The run began just after 9:30 a.m. Don Scott’s son used a bullhorn to thank all the runners who turned out. The winners included Tom Papain, who was the overall winner with a time of 17:36.6. The first overall female was Bianca Luparello with a time of 22:07.7. First overall male age 13 to 19 was Bradley Spilker with a time of 20:15.7. First overall female age 13 to 19 was Catherine Matteo with a time of 26:19.0. First overall male age nine and under was R.J. Miller with a time of 29:25.7. First overall female age nine and under was Carina Hance with a time of 30:09.6. Hance said, “I won for my age group last year.”
There was a cash prize for top three overall finishers ($100, $50, $25); top three overall finishers (male and female); top three finishers in age categories ranging from 12 and under through 70-plus (male and female). These recipients also received medals.
Funds raised from the run go toward colon cancer awareness, prevention and research. In addition, funds will be used to support Manhasset track and field and cross country teams through a student athlete scholarship.
Don Scott was a legendary track and field coach at Manhasset High School. He was devoted to making a difference in the lives of young students and athletes. The run in his memory is a tribute to the positive way he lived. The runners had beautiful weather to come out and support a good cause and remember a man who made a lasting mark on the Manhasset community.
