A record-breaking 580 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes, many from Syosset, Jericho and Woodbury, crossed the finish line at Fireman's Field in Oyster Bay at the 13th annual Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor's Oyster Festival 5 Kilometer Run on Saturday morning, Oct. 16.

The top local finisher was 45-year-old Mark Janiak of Syosset, who crossed the finish line in 19 minutes flat, good for 16th place overall and third in the 45-49 age group.

Other local runners coming home from Oyster Bay with awards were Holly Miller of Woodbury (28:30), who took second place honors in the "Clydesdale" 140-159 pound weight division; David Frankel of Woodbury (20:56), second in the 14 and under age group; August Finger of Syosset (2:17), who scored fifth in the 35-39 age group; Pamela Eldridge of Syosset (25:23), fourth in the women's 35-39 age group; Joan Ackerman of Syosset (29:52), fifth place finisher in the women's 55-59 age group; Ruth Sturgess of Jericho (34:27), third in the women's 60-64 age group; and the indomitable 72-year-old Bert Jablon of Syosset (26:19), top finisher in the 70-74 age group.

The run was once again sponsored by State Bank of Long Island, one of the local area's strongest supporters of running, fitness, and recreational sports generally. State Bank Vice President Mary Durkin was on hand to welcome the participants to the finish line. The run was administered once again by the Greater Long Island Running Club, with Greater Long Island Running Club President Mike Polansky serving as the race director. David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians served as the technical director.

Also on hand for the finish was Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, working very hard to enhance the town's well-deserved reputation as "the recreational sports capital of the Northeast." Oyster Bay Town Councilman Len Symons, a member of the Running Club, successfully completed the run in 27 minutes, 40 seconds.

Other local officials who showed their support for the local running community by their presence were Town Councilman Tony Altimari, Town Councilman Marty Massell, Town Clerk Fanny Corsentino, Receiver of Taxes Jack O'Leary, New York State Assemblyman David Sidikman and Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs.

"What a wonderful, wonderful day in Oyster Bay," enthused Polansky. "Oyster Bay is a beautiful place, and October shows it off at its best. We have heard nothing but rave reviews from all the runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes who showed up to kick off the Oyster Festival by running five kilometers."