The 2003 Six Hour 60th Birthday Run

The 4th annual Six Hour 60th Birthday run was unique for me for two reasons. For the first time the weather was not in our favor, as a chilly rain fell on an off all day. Despite this, the event was once again very well attended and everyone appeared to have a great time. Secondly not only did I have the privilege of once again directing the event but I was also one of the honorees. This gave me the opportunity to experience the race from the other side. This helped make turning 60 not that painful!

As in the past, the aid station was all set (thank you Amy Goldstein and MaryAnn Von der Heydt) and registration was well underway (thank you Barry Aronowsky and Kurt and Irene Robinson). By 10:30 we took a photo of the class of 1943. They were soon joined by approximately 100 additional runners and the race was underway. Rich Innamorato (Mr. Ultra ) again shared his expertise as he organized our lap counters and started the race. This was done in a way that only Rich can do it. No one can match his ultra running knowledge along with his love of the sport. Our volunteers were given their assignments and took their posts (thanks to Maryanne and Jeff Goldman). This year we had runners attend from not only the local area but, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and all the way from Texas. As the clock ticked away the six hours the runners counted laps and the volunteers attempted to stay warm and dry. There is something very special about a race where all the participants finish together. Whether you did one lap, like Carole Judge ( 2.07 miles) or like our winner, Namitabha Arsic who completed miles or any amount in-between we all celebrated the event together with a wonderful post race party ( delicious food compliments of the Woodbury Country Deli) !

I want to take a moment to especially thank my race committee; Bob Sherman, Barry Aronowsky, Paul Cooper and Paul Seltzer. This race could not have been a success without them. In addition to the volunteers mentioned above I want to thank each and every person who came down to Sunken Meadow Park to lend a hand. Many of you even stayed ALL day! ( Lenny Brotman, Jeff and Maryanne Goldman, Amy Goldstein, Rich Innamorato, Carol Judge, Eustratia Kourounis, Marie Lanfair, Bob Lansky, Christine Martin, Joseph Mitola, Michelle Nusblat, Nick Palazzo, Curt and Irene Robinson, Julie Rosenfeld, Robin Sitzer, MaryAnn Von der Heydt, and Shelley Weinstein). Thanks also to each and every volunteer who came down during the day; Ann Anderson, Barbara Aronowsky ( what great pasta salad!),Rick Brown (and daughter), Joe and Sue Cordero, Deanne Davis, Kathy DeVeglio, Tom Dugan, Jack Dwyer, Sharon End, Tom Fama, Jen and Jim Hogue, Burt and Myra Jablon, Walter and Sue Kueffner, Lori Levering, Jeannette Mitchell, Linda Ottavianno, Judy Peterson, Mike Service, Mary Ellen Stajk, Allison Zinger, Sam and Silvia Zinn and the Weinstein Family (Ellen, Tracy and Marlene).