The 43rd annual Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run was the coldest run on record. Not only did the temperature reach 21 degrees but the wind off Manhasset Bay, as runners hit mile four on Shore Road, made it feel like 8 degrees. But by 8:30 a.m., the sun was shining and runners, walkers, volunteers with warm hearts braved that bitter cold to help their neighbors in need.
Hardy town residents bundled up and cheered on their friends and family along the five-mile route. The top male overall finisher was 19-year-old Port resident Aaron Siff-Scherr, in at 27:44. One second behind to place second was Brian Wersan of Holbrook. Marco Bertolotti, 26 of Port Washington, came in at 28:12. The top two female overall finishers were from Port Washington. Placing first was Bianca Luparello at 32:17 and in second was Lucy Hurt at 33:01. Esther Lok of Woodbury came in third at 33:28.
Local residents finishing first in their age categories were Tommy McCarvill, age 11 (36:26); Savannah Aarons, age 12 (42:20); Matthew Scardigno, age 15 (30:44); Lucia Rieppi, age 14 (39:53); Jordan Hurt, age 19 (28:33); Davida Harris, age 18 (36:56); Alec Heyde, age 21 (28:59); Amanda Edwards, age 24 (36:23); Allison Rosenberg, age 28 (34:57); Sean Hopkins, age 35 (28:42); Jessica Bughman, age 36 (38:42); Gareth John, age 42 (32:54); Noni Degirmenci, age 44 (35:13); Maura Mander, age 45 (39:42); Kieran Owens, age 52 (35:50); Ann Marie Fitzpatrick, age 52 (36:30); Bernie Cunningham, age 56 (39:21); Mark Heller, age 64 (40:03); Bob Owens, age 68 (39:56); Neil Robinson, age 71 (52:58); Magda Olsen, age 77 (1:20:33); and the most senior runner Vera Allen, age 89, who finished at (1:35:05). Many locals finished top three in their age categories. For complete race results go to FLRRT.com.
The Community Chest and the Town of North Hempstead, who co-presented the raced, offered their congratulations and gratitude to all 2,918 participants. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Community Chest of Port Washington, a charitable organization whose mission is to give grants to charities helping the people of Port and provide below-market rent to charities, helping them fulfill their missions.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation and all our sponsors as well as the participation of the runners,” said Board President Drew Hershkowitz. “Together they make helping our neighbors possible.”
He also noted that this year the Community Chest received hundreds of additional donations from participants and their friends and family as part of the Community Chest’s “Be A Charity Hero” campaign, to make this year’s event the most financially successful ever.
Jeanne Rizzo, Community Chest events coordinator spoke gratefully about all the helping hands.
“Having the assistance of the Schreiber High School Key Club, 120 community volunteers, Boy Scout Troop 7 and the support of the Town of North Hempstead is vital to the logistical success of the event,” she said.
Extra effort from the Port Washington Police and Fire Medics, the Sands Point and Nassau County Police Departments, Nassau County Department of Public Works, the Town’s Parks Department, along with cooperation from the Villages of Manorhaven, Sands Point, Baxter Estates and Port Washington North make the Run possible. The Community Chest and the Town appreciate the patience of any and all residents of Port Washington who are inconvenienced on Thanksgiving morning.
