During a luncheon back in 2005, Mark Leff of Cisco Systems and Bob Cook, owner of the Runners Edge in Farmingdale, discussed putting on a race to support Companions in Courage Foundation (CiC), founded by Hockey Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine. Cook’s thought was to put on a one-mile race, believing it would be unique and attract participants of all abilities.
In June 2005, North Fork Bank and Farmingdale Chiropractor Dr. Larry Lembo were the very first sponsors. During Labor Day weekend in 2005, the first Runners Edge Main Street Mile was held and it attracted 180 participants raising $3,000 for CiC.
Since then, this event has become a Labor Day tradition in Farmingdale, becoming one of CiC’s most anticipated events of the year. It attracts more than 500 participants and raising more than $180,000 for CiC.
On Saturday Aug. 31, the 15th annual Runners Edge Main Street Mile and Fundraiser for CiC was held. Five hundred thirty-six registrants took part raising a record amount of over $20,000 benefiting CiC.
The success was due to the generosity of sponsors that included presenting sponsor Runners Edge. Others included title sponsor Cisco Systems; Farmingdale Chiropractor Dr. Larry Lembo; Farmingdale based law firm of Carman, Callahan and Ingham; Melville based law firm of Carter, Deluca, Farrell and Schmidt; Race Awesome, who set up a first class finish line; and The Nutty Irishman, who donated the post race brunch. Others included Saucony, Stamford, CT-based Horizon Paper, Allstate Richie Heumann Agency of North Babylon and 103.1 MAX F.M.
The race finished in front of Farmingdale Village Hall. The awards ceremony took place at the Village Gazebo. There were 83 participants from Farmingdale, 39 from Massapequa and Massapequa Park and many from surrounding local towns such as Bethpage, Seaford, Wantagh and as far away as California.
The event had strong local representation with other sponsors including Dr. Walter Priestley and The Posillico Foundation, sponsoring 40 members of the Farmingdale Cross Country team. This year’s official race photographers were Island Photography of Port Washington and Joel Harris Photography of Mineola.
“We have watched this event emerge to become part of the fabric of Farmingdale’s Labor Day weekend,” LaFontaine said. “Our record number of participants, sponsors and funds raised this year to benefit local pediatric patients, is a reflection on the village’s emergence as one of the great downtown’s on Long Island. I cannot thank the race committee, sponsors and Bob Cook at Runner’s Edge enough for their vision and support,”
Dignitaries in attendance included Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Farmingdale Village Administrator Greg Carman, from sponsor Carman, Callahan and Ingham (who is also the Deputy Town Supervisor), and Brian Harty, the Farmingdale Village Administrator.
Race announcing was done by “the Voice of Long Island Racing” Terry Bisogno. Race timing was provided by PRTiming of New Paltz. The finish line was provided by RaceAwesome’s Corey Roberts from Baldwin.
Executive Director of Companions in Courage Foundation Jim Johnson said, “It is so inspiring to see athletes of every level competing in this family-friendly event that benefits families in need. Our stellar race committee has assembled a group of very special sponsors and partners. Race Awesome makes sure that the finishers of our one mile event cross the finish line under an arch that is worthy of an Ironman Triathlon! It’s just one more way it let’s everyone know just how special this event really is.”
The race was followed by a special fundraising event at The Nutty Irishman. There was also the biggest raffle the event has ever held with numerous prizes that included a Schwinn Cruiser Bike donated by Babylon Bike, a Sony Playstation 4 and many other numerous prizes and gift certificates that also included autographed memorabilia from Pat LaFontaine. The MC for the event was The Wiseman from 103.1 MAX FM.
The Main Street Mile produced great performances. Men’s open division (under 40 years of age) was won by Boyd Carrington of West Islip in 4:16, followed by Joseph Grieco of Massapegua and John Butler of New York City. In the men’s master’s division, Trent Hampton of Lake Ronkomkoma won in a time of 4:53, followed by Early Penney of Glen Head and Jason Ramirez of Wantagh.
Women’s open division was won by Katie McGrath of Oakdale in 4:59, followed by Maria Marascia and Laura Barreca. In the women’s masters division, Jennifer St. Jean of Darien, CT, a member of the Westchester Track Club and Silver Medalist in the 1500 in 2015 for Women’s Masters, won in a time of 5:10. She was follow by Stephanie Hoffman and Dara Mayola.
The wheelchair division was once again won by Peter Hawkins of Malverne in 3:24.
The oldest finishers were Carlos Morales and Geza Feld, both 85 years old. Feld was also a recipient of the Bill Benson award, honoring the oldest finisher. A notable performance came from Virginia Guichard of Melville who finished in 19:58 in the 80 to 84 year old division.
Forty-four participants from RunStart, which is sponsored by the Greater Long Island Running Club and Runners Edge to introduce new runners to sport, also took part. Debbie Blair and Bob Cook are to be thanked for their efforts with this group.
Companions in Courage’s focus is building interactive playrooms in children’s hospitals across North America and building the “CiC Network.” Their motto is “No child in the fight for life or health should ever have to go it alone.” The proceeds from this event will go a long way towards helping children and their families in their time of need given the great work done by CiC.
Upcoming initiatives include “Santa Connection,” a way to bring live and personal Santa visits to children in the care of these hospitals using Google video conferencing, as the yearly visit from the Heisman Trophy winner this coming December.
“I think about how prominent leaders and business people in the Farmingdale community have come together to make this event special and first class in every respect,” said Leff. “This event means so much to the community as well as so the children all the participants helped support in children’s hospitals all over the U.S. and Canada. What a great example of bringing the community together for a great cause.”
For more information on Companions in Courage, visit their website at www.cic16.org.
