For the second time in the space of a few weeks, Farmingdale was the host to a major sporting event on Saturday, July 8, as women from all over Long Island - and from places far away indeed from Long Island - converged on the Woodward Parkway Elementary School to compete in the 17th annual Vytra Health Plans Long Island Women's Run.

Naomi Wangui of Kenya, fresh from her victory in the Shelter Island 10K Run in June, made it two straight Long Island victories by crossing the Vytra finish line in 16 minutes, 5 seconds, comfortably ahead of 2nd place finisher Gladys Prieur (17:21) and fellow Kenyan Anastasia Ndereba in 3rd place (17:41).

The first Long Island finisher was Kathy Martin of Northport in 5th place overall. Top finisher from Farmingdale was Patty Zebersky, who was 9th overall and 1st in the 40-44 age group, in 19:41. Top Massapequa finisher was Anita Von Himmel, 45th overall in 23:48.

Other local award winners included Jean Marie Tinnelly of Massapequa Park, who was the 2nd race walker in 29:07, 10-year-old Tara Gangarossa of Farmingdale, who took 4th place in the 14 and under age group in 31:36, Chrissi Mark of Massapequa, who scored 4th in the 15-19 age group in 24:44, and Kristin Daly of North Massapequa, 5th in the 15-19 age group in 25:21.

The 5K main event was preceded by a 1/4 mile fun run for girls 12 and under.

The Vytra Run was administered by the Greater Long Island Running Club, with GLIRC's Don Butchin and Curt Robinson serving as the co-directors, GLIRC's Ellen Weinstein serving as coordinator of Elite athletes, and GLIRC's Mindy Davidson serving as coordinator of volunteers. David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians was the technical director.

In addition to title sponsor Vytra Health Plans, additional support was provided by OSI Pharmaceuticals, Farmingdale-based running store The Runner's Edge, John's Farms of Plainview, Glen Head Florist, and the Town of Oyster Bay. Organizers extended thanks to the Farmingdale School District for making the facilities at the Woodward Parkway School and the school's outstanding custodial staff available for the event, to the South Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Department for supplying the emergency medical people who assured the health of the participants on the course and at the finish line, and to the residents of Farmingdale for their cooperation in allowing their streets to be used for this important event once again this year.

A portion of the proceeds of the event were turned over to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence to help in its efforts to fight domestic violence and support battered women.

"Farmingdale is a wonderful community filled with great people, and we are thrilled to be allowed to bring an important event like this one to Farmingdale," said Race Co-Director Curt Robinson. "Congratulations to champion Naomi Wangui, to Long Island champion Kathy Martin, to Farmingdale champion Patty Zebersky, and to all the other finishers - everyone a winner!"