Several runners from Syosset and Jericho took home awards in the Vytra Health Plans Long Island Women's 5 Kilometer Run, held July 18. Yetta Sokol, a 71-year-old Jericho resident, took first place honors in the 70 and over age group, while Ruth Sturgess, also of Jericho, was the fourth place finisher in the 60-64 age bracket.

Joan Ackerman of Syosset placed fifth in the 55 to 59 division. In the 15 to 19 age group, Syosset High Schoolers Lauren Streem and Randi Ribel won fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Former Massapequa High School speedster Kathy Franey Fleming, now a resident of Massachusetts, returned to win the 5K for the second straight year. It was a tougher challenge this time around, as she overtook Lioudmila Alexeeff of Toronto in the final half mile and outkicked her by little more than a second to take Long Island bragging rights for 1998, and the $2,000 first prize that went with the victory. Fleming's finish was recorded at 16:40; Lioudmila, 16:41.

Third place honors went to Kenya's Milka Jepchirchir (16:55), who makes her current home in Ossining, New York. Laura Baker (16:58) of Dorchester, Massachusetts finished fourth. Regina Ronan of Northport was the first Long Island finisher, taking fifth place overall in 18:07.

Donna McMahon of Farmingdale was the first member of the host Plainview-Old Bethpage Road Runners Club to cross the finish line, thereby winning the Paula Wunderlich Memorial Award. McMahon was 14th overall in 18:44.

The Women's Run was once again sponsored by Vytra Health Plans, and Vytra's Donna Howard was on hand to welcome the more than 300 runners and walkers to the finish line at Northside Elementary School in Farmingdale. The run was administered by the Plainview-Old Bethpage Road Runners Club, with the club member Suzanne Vasata serving as race director.

"We are thrilled at the performances turned in by Kathy, by Lioudmila and by all the other women who crossed the finish line," noted Vasata. "As Long Island's only women's race, we pride ourselves on putting on a quality race for everyone, and with the continued support of Vytra and all our other fine sponsors, we look forward to doing so in the 16th annual run in July of 1999."