Hundreds of runners from Long Island and beyond will take to the streets of Huntington on April 10 and race the wind in an annual tribute to Marcie Mazzola.
Marcie, a 1999 Commack High School graduate, was only 21 when her life was cut short by a car accident. Described as a spirited, compassionate young woman by those who knew and loved her, Marcie nurtured a desire to help better the lives of children, especially those who were at risk or abused. When her family established a foundation in Marcie’s memory in 2003, they honored these wishes.
According to President Nancy Mazzola, since its inception, the Marcie Mazzola Foundation has raised about $500,000 for organizations including EAC’s Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center, Smile Train, Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk County, Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect, New York Organ Donor Network, Family Service League, and Island Harvest, Holiday House.
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The foundation received proclamations from the Huntington Town Council honoring its many accomplishments in 2009 and 2010, and the momentum about the Foundation’s feel good events continues to build.
“More than 200 people have already signed up for the race and we have many new supporters,” Nancy said.
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More than 600 registered last year, and Nancy anticipates topping that number come race day.
As in the past, proceeds from the race will be used to establish YMCA summer camp scholarships for underprivileged children. The New York Organ Donor Network and the Huntington-based Splashes of Hope will also benefit.
“April is Gift of Life month. We have people who run in the race who are organ transplant recipients. Their lives were saved by organ donations,” Nancy said.
Literature about the vital importance of organ donation will be available on race day.
The memorial event, which takes place rain or shine, kicks off with a non-competitive ½ mile fun run at 8 a.m. for children, ages 10 and under, on the grounds of the .
Young runners will be greeted by three mascots, including the YMCA’s Harley the dog, Splashes of Hope’s Vincent Van Monkey and Geico’s gecko. To add to the fun, there’ll also be face painting for the kids.
The 5K Run/Walk kicks off at 8:30 am on Park Avenue, just south of Main Street. The 3.1 mile race is sanctioned by USA Track & Field, with the biggest challenge being the hill at the beginning of the course. Runners will traverse some of Huntington’s best- loved streets, including Woodhull Road, Prime Avenue and Sabbath Day Path, and enjoy panoramic views of beautiful .
This year, for the first time, instead of ankle bracelets, runners will be provided with disposable timing chips which fit on the racing bib.
“It’s state-of-the-art and more comfortable for the runners,” Mazzola said.
Registration is required for all participants. To register online and learn about entry fees, go to www.marciemazzolafoundation.org , and click on the logo that directs you to www.active.com. Registration forms can also be mailed directly to the foundation.
Runners and walkers can also register on race day from 6:45-8:15 a.m. at the Huntington YMCA, 60 Main St., at a slightly higher fee. Those who have already registered can check at the YMCA on the day of the race. Those who register by Saturday will receive the trademark purple and gray tee-shirt commemorating their participation in this much heralded annual event.
No numbers will be issued after 8:15 a.m. on Sunday and running chips will only be distributed that day.
First place male and female runners will receive trophies and one-year memberships to the Huntington YMCA. Those who come in second and third will also receive trophies.
Information about other awards appears on the application. Each child who participates in the fun run will receive a medal.
