To Harold Axelrod, the New Hyde Park Runners’ Club annual 8K race on June 2 was a major success even if the turnout did not match the peak years.
Axelrod, who is president of the New Hyde Park Runner’s Club, said this year’s race drew 350 runners – 15 percent more than in recent years.
More importantly, he said, the race raised $2,500 for the Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, a non-profit organization of volunteer fire departments that collect funds and supplies for wounded military veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“One of the purposes of the race is raise money for different charities,” Axelrod said.
Including this year’s race, Axelrod said the competition has raised $7,500 over the past three years for Operation Wounded Warrior.
In the past, New Hyde Park Runners’ Club has also raised more than $15,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, Axelrod said. The running club has also raised money for scholarships for New Hyde Park Memorial students and collected food for the Interfaith Nutritional Network in Hempstead.
Axelrod said the organization also provides funds for local Boy Scout troops.
In its 36th year, Axelrod said, the race is one of the oldest races on Long Island.
“In the past we have more, but there are more races out there,” he said.
Considering the increase competition, Alexrod said, he “very satisfied, very happy” with this year’s turnout.
The runners for the 8K numbered 315, with 20 people participating in a fitness walk at the event and 12 youngster taking part in a “fun run.”
The race’s format changed four years ago from a 5K to an 8K run and is now the USA Track and Field 8K Race for Long Island, according to Axelrod,
This year’s male winner was Dan Gargaro of Bay Shore with a time of 27:27. The female winner was Tara Wilson of West Islip with a time of 32:33.
Sponsors of this year’s race included Luigi’s Pizzeria, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Maspeth Federal Savings.
The club meets on Sunday mornings for a “fun run” of four to seven miles, Axelrod said. On the third Sunday of each month they have a “bagel run and meeting,” also starting at 8:00 am.
There also are bike rides most summer Sundays at 6:45 a.m. for those who are dealing with a running injury or want to do a little cross training.
The group also has social events, including July 27 barbecue in Mineola and dinners during the year.
Once a year, the runners also take a field trip to compete in an out-of-town event. This year Axelrod said that event will be the Baltimore Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K in October.
