When Holly Nieweem tragically lost her brother Benny to suicide, she decided to do something about it, and created the Benny Fund and Benny’s Run in his memory. That was in 2013 and since then this annual event has raised thousands of dollars supporting suicide prevention and scholarships in his name.
This past Saturday, Oct 1, saw the fourth running of this 5K Run and Walk. And while there was a steady rain coming down when registration opened at 8:00, it didn’t deter 200+ runners and walkers from showing up and participating. And when the starting gun went off at 10:00, the rain had stopped and it turned into a beautiful fall day.
Runners and walkers faced a mostly uphill first mile on this point-to-point course before enjoying two miles of downhill to the finish line at Sears Park. The first male to cross the finish line was Charlie Grillo from West Hartford in 18:55, followed by Julien Minnick in 19:49 and David Hansen in 19:52 who came in from New York City. The first female finisher was Tracy Mantabano in 24:05, followed by Katie Ireland in 26:01 and Gyanna Russell in 26:33. All three are local East Hampton runners.
After the 5K, a Kid’s Fun Run took place. Forty future Olympians made their way around the ¼ course, crossing the finish and earning finisher medals. When all of the running and walking was in the books, everyone convened at the community center for a cookout.
For complete results CLICK HERE
For race pictures CLICK HERE
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