Caumsett Park 50K-Notes from Race Director Vinny Croce

What a difference a year makes! Last year the Caumsett Park 50K race was remembered as a day of cold chilly rain. The beauty of the park was hidden by the fog and the volunteers were up to their ankles in mud. This year by contrast, was a beautiful clear day that was enjoyed by runners and volunteers alike. Over 90 starters began at 3 separate times to allow for all running paces. Runners were the "usual" locals as well as those from the general tri-state area and as far away as Vermont, Ohio, and even a visitor from Australia.  Many chose to do a smaller number of loops as a long training run, perhaps for an upcoming marathon. Either way, everyone came around the 2.6 mile loop smiling as they were cheered on by volunteers and spectators. As they passed the Winter Mansion, they had their loop scored and they had an opportunity to grab a bite from the well stocked aid station. These energy boosters as well as the delicious food served at the post race party was provided by our main sponsor, Wild By Nature Market, a natural foods supermarket located in Huntington.
 
The paved  loop took the runners through the many scenic sites of one of Long Island's most breathtaking  parks. The 1,750 acre estate originally  purchased in 1921 by Marshall Field III has become a recreational facility for all Long Islanders. On March 7th each runner had an opportunity to experience the openness of the fields, a beautiful view  of the Long Island Sound, quiet wooded areas and majestic mansions. 
 
In addition to runners of all ages and abilities, there were many highly competitive and accomplished  ultra runners. The top finishing times for men and woman were very commendable! The men were led by Rudy Afanador with a time of 3:35. He was followed by Byron Lane 3:53 and Tim Deleo 3:55. The woman were no less impressive with top finisher Jody Lynne Reicher 4:13. Close on her heals was Yayoi Shimada 4:15 and in third place, Jodi Kartes-Heino with a finishing time of 4:38.
 
This race was much more than just a successful running event. All those involved must also be thanked for supporting one of our local charities. The Caumsett Park 50K donated $1,200. to Kid Helping Kids by Kids Way Inc. This organization helps children in our area. Specifically we will be helping an 18 month old little girl, Gina Marie DiMartino, a Bellport resident who was born with ocular neurofibromatosis (tumors have grown on her eye and facial area). Gina will require many, many  surgeries and your generosity will help this little girl move toward a brighter future.
 
If you took part in the 2004 Caumsett Park 50K we hope you will tell others what they are missing. Many thanks to all those who participated and volunteered. We look forward to next years race and hope to see even more of you there!
 
Vinny Croce
 

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The Caumsett Park 50K, just like each and every one of our races could not have been possible if it were not for the wonderful volunteers! Many thanks to our volunteer coordinator, Audrey Gaccione. It is not an easy "feet" to find volunteers willing to sit for hours and keep track of runners as they quickly pass and flash their numbers. Audrey was more than up for this task. She herself stayed (along with her two daughters) for the entire day to make certain that every job was attended to. In addition to the central race committee, Bob Sherman, Nick Palazzo and of course Mr. Ultra, Rich Innamorato there are many people to thank.

It amazes me how many very dedicated people arrived early (some before 7:00 AM) and stayed the entire day. Thanks to Ross Moore for measuring the course, which would soon become very familiar to all our runners. Many thanks to our well organized and hard working coordinators of registration, Irene and Curt Robinson. Robyn Sitzer worked tirelessly as she scored runners the entire day! Amy Goldstein and Mary Ann Von der Heydt, with help from Colleen Costello had the aide station well stocked. Roger Loberto and Fred Von der Heydt did just about anything that was asked of them as did Maryann and Jeff Goldman...and they to stayed ALL day!

In addition to those listed above I want to personally thank each volunteer listed below; Barbara Aronowsky (great pasta salad!), Mary Ann Arlt, April and Kimberley Chieffo, Paul Cooper (thanks for putting together our finish line!), Beth, Sandy, Steven and Steve Cuomo, Cathy and Rick Diveglio, John Ferro, Donna Hahl, Chip Herbst, Norman Hershkowitz, Myra and Bert Jablon, Margie Knapp, Jozef Kozma, Larry Kurtzman, Joe Mitola, Don Notti, Lisa Nasoff, Linda Ottaviano (who stayed LONG after her own run was finished!),Mike Polansky (also had some energy after his run!), Julie Rosenfild, Ka'a'ren Schicke-Cherns and Rashawn Smith.

I believe that the Caumsett 50K was a great success...this happened because of each and every one of you! I thank you for you dedication, your time and your boundless energy! I hope to see each of you (and many others) in March 2005!
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