On Sept. 9, New Island Hospital held its Second Annual 5K Run/Walk at Bethpage State Park. This year the event was a proud participant in the 2001 Long Island Track and Field FILA Cross Country Challenge. There were more than 160 participants at this event, including 28 runners from the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program, Inc. based in Ronkonkoma. The hospital sends many thanks to their event sponsor, MDNY Healthcare, Inc., and other sponsors, including the Chamber of the Commerce of the Massapequas.

The overall winner of the event was Carlos Castro Jr. of Levittown, who ran the course in 16:45. The first overall female winner was Angela Orefice of Rocky Point, who finished 18:53. Top masters male runner was Don DiDonato of Hicksville (17:27) and top masters female runner was Dolores Doman of Huntington Station (22:33).

The hospital sends many thanks to the Runner's Edge in Farmingdale, the Greater Long Island Running Club and the Long Island Track and Field Club for all their technical assistance.