The 11th annual edition of Rob's Run was held on Sunday, Nov. 30, and it was no surprise that lots of local Syosset runners were big winners in a cross country race that was held at Stillwell Woods, directly across South Woods Road from Syosset High School.

The biggest local winner of the day was 18-year-old former Syosset High School track and cross country superstar Mark Alizzi, who now does his running in a Boston College uniform, but celebrated the Thanksgiving weekend with a third place overall finish. Mark crossed the finish line in 16 minutes, 29 seconds, losing only to Mike Nehr of West Babylon and Vinko Markovina of Merrick, arguably Long Island's top two runners currently in competition on Long Island.

Mark's sister, 16-year-old Beth Alizzi scored as the fourth woman to cross the finish line and took first place in the women's 15-19 age group with a time of 20:23. Still another current Syosset high schooler, 16-year-old Farrell Denby was the 6th finisher overall and first in the men's 15-19 age group in 17:00. Denby and Syosset High School teammates Sean Tully, Dan Tully and Chris Howell joined to take first place team honors in the Boys High School Division of the run. Beth combined with Samantha Rabinowitz, Iris Skornicki and Kristan Wilkins to bring home 2nd place in the High School Girls Division to Syosset High School. A second Syosset High School team consisting of Patrick Malone, Michael Yuan, Tom Brovillard and Shaun Khilnani took 6th place in the High School Boys Division.

Other local runners winning awards in the 2003 edition of Rob's Run included Linna Tang of Syosset (1st female, 50-54, 28:09), Dan Abramowitz of Syosset (2nd 20-23, 18:16), John Del Maestro of Woodbury (2nd 45-49, 18:06), Nicole Skidmore of Syosset (2nd female 25-29, 23:28), Odd Sangesland of Plainview (2nd 70-74, 28:50), and Ken Reilly of Woodbury (3rd 55-59, 24:48).

Rob's Run was once again sponsored by Long Island Blood Services and administered by the Greater Long Island Running Club. Run Directors Ed Melnik and Steve Klemes once again did a great job of ensuring that this event remained Long Island's premier cross country run and a wonderful way to enjoy the beauties of Stillwell Woods.

As in the past, this year's Rob's Run was dedicated to the memory of Rob Lauterborn, an extraordinary human being, talented runner and good friend who was taken from us at far too young an age. The net proceeds of Rob's Run are once again being turned over to the ASPIRE Program for the rehabilitation of young amputees, victims of bone cancer and traumatic amputations.

All local sports enthusiasts are invited to say thank you to Long Island Blood Services for their support of Rob's Run by donating the "gift of life" at the Athletes for Life Blood Drive at the Melville Marriott on Saturday, Dec. 27. For more information call LIBS at 1-800-933-2566.