Diego Brucceleri of Manhasset finishes second
Blue skies graced the racers and walkers assembled at Castle Gould for the annual Sands Point Preserve Helen’s Run Walk. Runners came from all over the world and New York on April 22 to race the 5K/3.1-mile race.
Families, couples and groups who came to participate all received a signature gray long sleeved shirt as a participant in the event.
Pierre Ouellet from Canada sped past the crowd, winning the race in the Male Wheelchair Group at a top speed of 22:04.6 topping a pace of 7:07 per kilometer.
Ouellet hails from Quebec City and was an aquathlon double world champion in 2012 and 2013. He is ranked fifth in the world in Paratriathlon in 2012.
Ouellet was a promising motocross athlete at 12 years old who had a serious accident at age 16, which damaged his spinal cord making him a paraplegic. As an athlete, he decided to face the challenge and began complete in wheelchair races.
“As a paratriathlete I am recognized as a great opponent and athlete always finishing in the top of my category on the world stage since 2008. I have always represented a positive image for the International Triathlon Union for my strength of character and determination and my performance,” said Ouellet.
Jack Schmalzle of Roslyn Heights was the first runner to cross the finish line with a time of 22:24.5 with Diego Brucculeri of Manhasset coming in second place with a time of 22:42.1. Shane Ahlers of West Hempstead came in third and Peter Downes of Port Washington was fourth.
Kathleen Devine of Port Washington was the first woman to cross the finish line and came in fifth place overall with a time of 25.20.4. Runners came from all over the world including Gary Daly who hailed from Australia and Julie Harlow from Graham, WA. Elaine and Christopher Livingston came from Westwood, NJ. For more information on the race results visit www.start2finish.com.
After the race, participants were treated to a spread of fruit, juice and bagels. Tori’s Place owners were painting children’s faces. Several businesses were on hand and numerous merchants and sponsors handing out water bottles, key chains and assorted items. For more information or to donate to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf and Blind Adults visit www.helenkeller.org.
