New Hyde Park-Mineola Runners Club hosts 40th anniversary run
The New Hyde Park-Mineola Runners Club 40th Anniversary 8K last weekend was met by a special surprise guest: the sun. Runners from across Long Island were overjoyed to see clear skies and temperatures in the mid 60 to low 70 degree range the morning of the race, taking place Sunday, June 4, despite unpromising rainy forecasts days prior.
The 40th installment of the annual run was especially important to people within the club, and to those who have taken part in the event each year, as this particular race is one of the three oldest races on Long Island. Once again, the day’s proceeds were directed toward Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warriors.
When asked what has contributed to the overall success of the club over the years, President Harold Axelrod replied, “the people.” He continued, “We get people from across the island, New York City and Westchester. Everybody wants to be a part of it.”
Aside from members of the New Hyde Park-Mineola Runners Club, runners from towns such as Floral Park, Garden City, Westbury, Plainview, Syosset, Jericho, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Hicksville, Massapequa, Wantagh, Farmingdale, Manhasset, Port Washington, Roslyn and Great Neck, to name a few, were also in attendance. Some ran as individuals, while others registered as a team.
Beginning at Denton Avenue School in New Hyde Park, the annual event commenced with a Kids Run at 8 a.m., followed by the 4.97 mile run, a USA Track and Field certified course and part of the Grand Prix Championship Series, at 8:30 a.m.
After some encouraging words by announcer Terry Bisogno, participants made their way through the residential streets of New Hyde Park and Manhasset Hills, across the Long Island Expressway Service Road and down Shelter Rock Road before crossing the finish line at the back athletic field of Denton Avenue School.
Along the way, there were mile markers and race volunteers on hand to cheer on the runners and provide them with water. The Nassau County Police Department played an integral role in ensuring the safety of the runners, monitoring road closures and directing traffic.
At the finish line, where EliteFeats took complimentary photos and videos, runners were met with a commemorative medal, as well as a spread of post-race food including orange slices, watermelon and bagels. In all, between the Kids Run and the 8K, there were more than 400 participants.
Finishers in each age division and the top overall male and female finishers were presented with awards. The first place overall male finisher was Sean Mahon, 31, of Merrick, and the first place female was Victoria Kornieva-Robitaille, 29, of Amityville.
Runners from within the greater New Hyde Park/Floral Park community fared well in the race.
Their names and times are as follows:
New Hyde Park—Joe Ricards (32:57), Joseph Gendy (33:29), Lesli Hiller (37:00), Carmen Cruz (40:27), Theresa Mattei (41:04), Ben Ng (41:15), Dan Mattei (42:11), Paul Gruosso (43:53), Caroline Osullivan (44:18), Eilat Acosta (44:28), Jennifer Booth (44:28), Rosalie Gruosso (44:29), Daniel McGuidan (45:34), Daniel Mattei (45:41), Robert Kuzyn (51:02), Ivana Ng (52:59), Monica Mattei (55:36), Deirdre Nolty (59:02), Brian Dobkin (1:03:49) and Danielle Singson (50:03).
Floral Park—Maria Ferraro (49:23), Matthew Talty (50:15), Amanda Talty (50:23), Karen Sica (52:00), Jed Golden (53:29) and Laurie Luger (1:20:14).
Garden City Park—Ned Daily (32:50), Maria Kharla Manato (1:08:05) and Maria Lurene Manato (1:15:09).
Bellerose—Adamo Francesco (50:10).
For more information about the race results, including photos and videos, visit www.elitefeats.com/race-results.asp?ID=248.
