Record turnout at 5T5K

The cloud of the Boston Marathon terrorist attack not only did not deter runners from the FIDV-5T5K but may have even given more attendees a reason to run and show their support.

A clear, crisp, chilly Sunday brought hundreds of sneakered men, women and children, some in strollers, some in wheelchairs, to the entrance of North Woodmere Park on Branch Boulevard, quietly waiting to start. A sense of camaraderie and a sense of purpose gripped the participants. Two honks of a horn triggered the runners who took off down the route; others followed at a slower pace, some jogging, some walking briskly, and some strolling through the streets of North Woodmere. All intersections were guarded by either auxiliary police, Nassau County police or volunteers.

Race organizer Dr. Isaac Seinuk noted prior to the race that eight patrol cars, 15 auxiliary police and five regular Nassau County police were committed to insure the safety of the 5T5K, similar to years past. He expected tightened security in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, but stressed that he, with the park director, does a “complete sweep” of the park every year prior to the run. There were “no security issues,” said Seinuk, “but the NCPD and Auxiliary police went over the complete race route, checking every trash bag that was on the route and anything that might have looked suspicious.”

“I do it for the exercise and the cause, the tzedaka (charity),” said Joyce Klein, of Cedarhurst, of the race, who ran in the age 75 to 80 category. “It’s a lot of fun. I ran alone. I’m a self starter.”

“It’s a great feeling,” said Daphne Stern, of Woodmere, who ran with her daughter Tamar, age 9. “You’re doing a mitzvah at the same time. It’s a sense of accomplishment. We walked and ran the 5k for the first time.”

“I’m very proud to see our community come out for an event like this to support Israel’s veterans,” said Josh Justic, “and I would like to congratulate Isaac on organizing this event and on the large turnout despite the chilly weather.”

“I ran the race in support of Israel and the mitzvah,” explained Lynne Blander, “with the encouragement that it came after what happened at the Boston Marathon and in support of such an amazing community event.”

The top overall male runner in the race was Tommy Pyon of Flushing, NY who came in with a time of 18 minutes and four seconds. The top overall female runner was Gina Prinzevalli from Rockville Centre with a time of 20 minutes 50 seconds. Participants from the Five Towns came in first in their various age categories. Results can be viewed at www.start2finish.com. Seinuk noted that Iris Maidenbaum, wife of the event sponsor Sholom Maidenbaum came in first place in her age group and Mindy Schwartzblatt won the flat screen TV raffle provided by Klearview Appliance.

The final amount raised for Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans-Beit Halochem is not in yet, said Seinuk, but he estimated the total at about $30,000. There were 630 people who signed up with 581 finishing the race. Sixty children participated in the “fun run” for children preceding the race. This was the highest turnout yet, reported Seinuk. “Participants and volunteers had a great time. I am currently trying to decide on the date for next year.”