A record breaking total of 1,253 runners and walkers crossed the Bethpage High School finish line at the 14th Annual Ho Ho Ho Holiday Run on Dec. 22.

The top local finisher was 16-year-old Syosset High School superstar Mark Alizzi who scored as the fifth runner overall and took first place honors in the highly competitive 15-19 age group with a time of 16:32.

Other local award winners included John Del Maestro of Woodbury, third in the 45-49 age group in 17:15, Bobby Neuendorf of Syosset who scored first in the 14 and under age group in 18:36, Farrell Denby of Syosset, second in the 14 and under age group in 19:19, Bert Jablon of Syosset, first in the 70-74 age group in 25:21, George Dennis of Muttontown, third in the 75-79 age group in 32:07 and Ruth Sturgess of Jericho, second woman in the 65-69 age group in 35:38.

The real story of the day wasn't about winning and losing, but about the incredible turnout of recreational athletes, many of them dressed as Santas, elves, reindeer and other denizens of the holiday season. Nearly 100 Syosset, Woodbury and Jericho residents were among the 1,253 finishers. An additional 60 youngsters participated in the 1/4 mile Fun Run.

The proceeds of this year's Run will be distributed to the Bretton Bowl Fund for local needy families and the Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education.

Congratulations to race directors Joe Sturgess of Jericho and Bob Sherman of Plainview and Technical Director David Katz for an outstanding job this year and to Greater Long Island Running Club Coordinator of Volunteers Mindy Davidson and the more than 100 volunteers who contributed to the success of the run. Extra thanks go to Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto and outgoing Town Councilman Leonard Symons as well for their enthusiastic and vital support.