The 22nd annual 5K Run for Literacy on 9/9/23 was a success! Although it was a hot and humid day, everyone was in good spirits. We are so thankful for the many helping hands who worked & volunteered as well as our generous sponsors and support from the community. Many sponsors set up tables with giveaways and goodies, Performax offered a stretching station, and NYSUT donated books. Local businesses were involved with refreshments, t-shirts, gift certificates, and more. The money raised will be reinvested into literacy efforts in our community.
There were 468 registrants and 384 participants crossed the Finish Line. It was our biggest turnout since 2012! First place overall and first place female went to Zariel Macchia for the second year in a row! WFHS junior, Zariel, crossed the Finish Line with the fastest time of 17.27. Second place overall and first place male went to Rob Pickard and third place was held by Ethan Goldman. The youngest runner was 4 years old and the oldest…84!
Find a full list of results here.
Joining us were the students and coaches from the William Floyd and Islip track teams. We had runners from clubs such as Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC) and Rolling Thunder (an inclusive running club for those with disabilities). Many teams joined us on race day including #Miles4Mimi, Fit4Mom, Strong Island Boxing, and WRP Fitness among many others. Every a few furry friends crossed the Finish Line!
Our MC Ron Gross and MMSCL Board President Joe Maiorana kicked off the Opening Ceremony. County Legislator Jim Mazzarella and Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Romaine & Councilman Panico welcomed the runners and wished them well. Thank you to the talented quartet of WFHS students who sang the National Anthem: Aisling Aylward, Nikolas DelVecchio, Faith DiBlasi, and Jaysen Pommells under the direction of Ms. Donia Rivera. Members of Colonial Youth volunteered their time and ran the two water stations on the course. The Mastic Beach and Brookhaven Fire Departments suspended an American flag on the north side of the bridge!
Thanks to our local fire departments, Mastic Beach Ambulance Company, Suffolk County Park Rangers, and Suffolk County Police Department’s 7th precinct and Auxiliary police for supporting us on race day. Thank you to the library administration and staff, plus our many staff and volunteers for your support. Everything “ran” smoothly.
See you next year on 9/7/24!
