Olympians To Participate In Shelter Island Run

Each step is a step forward for charity at the Shelter Island Run, sponsored by BNB. Founded in 1980, the annual 10K/5K run/walk will celebrate 40 years of crossing the finish line on Saturday, June 15, beginning at 5:30 PM.

The USA track-and-field-certified course is the setting for a fundraising event for several East End Charities including East End Hospice, Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch, and the Shelter Island 10K Community Fund. As noted on the website, the non-profit race “is dedicated to create positive awareness through running and health . . . to provide funds to community youth, adults, and seniors through education and services.”

To commemorate four decades of running, new to the race will be a Masters Runner Category for men and women 40 years and older. In addition, anyone who completes the 10K run in under 40 minutes will receive a “I broke 40 at the 40” T-shirt sponsored by Harry Hackett of Merrill Lynch.

Bill Rodgers, former Olympian, four-time NYC Marathon winner, and four-time Boston Marathon winner, will casually compete. “To me it’s one of the ultimate community road races, something that appealed to me from the very beginning of my road racing career which was in 1966 at the Manchester Road Race in Manchester Connecticut,” the Newington, CT native said.

“The entrance way the course runs through the countryside, it’s just beautiful racing. It’s kind of low-key in a way. It’s not like the big city marathons, which can be overwhelming and tedious. Coming to this event shows you its uniqueness. I do want to salute Dr. Frank Adipietro, who has been the race director for 40 years. It is a community event, but runners from around the world will be there.”

“It’s definitely my favorite day of the year on Shelter Island combining inspirational athletes, amazing volunteers, hard-working race organizers, and the great people of our town. It has been an honor being associated with one of the most important, historic road races in America. And what’s amazing is that it’s right here at home,” noted Adipietro.

Running legends in addition to Rodgers are expected to stride alongside community members. Benji Durden and Kyle Heffner both competed on the 1980 Olympic team. George Hirsch, chairman of the board of the Board of New York-Road Runners and publisher of Runners World, as well as a joint founder of the NYC Marathon in 1976, is also set to run.

Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic Gold Medal winner and first-time women’s Olympic marathon champion commented, “It promises to be a true celebration of a meaningful and storied race. Running the scenic and challenging course with runners and a community who share a passion for all that is good about sport and teamwork inspires us all. It’s one to be treasured and experienced by runners of all abilities.”

Pre-race activities begin at 3:30 PM with family fun activities on school grounds, adjacent to the American Legion Center and open to all. Activities include a kids fun run with medals for all kids participants, bounce houses, photo booth, crafts, and ice cream from Mister Softee. After the race will be a BBQ.

From 6:30 to 9:30 PM will be dancing in the street with live music by Points East. There will also be a silent auction by Grandstand Sports, food trucks by Pizza Rita and Mattitaco, beer sponsored by Long Island Brewery, and wine from Bottle Hampton. There will also be a contest after party for best 80s running apparel.

10K tickets are $40 in advance, $50 day of the race and 5K are $30 in advance, $40 day of the race. For a full schedule of events and tickets, visit www.shelterislandrun.com.

nicole@indyeastend.com