Athletes from Massapequa and Farmingdale were especially prominent as over 200 local runners and race walkers braved the Oct. 12 rainstorm to compete in the third annual Race with the Angels 4 Mile Run at Eisenhower Park.

Local athletes Mark Leff of Massapequa, William Slane of Farmingdale and Dan Cacace of Massapequa scored 1-2-3 in the Clydesdale 185-199 Weight Division. John Stauber of Massapequa took first place honors in the Clydesdale 200 Pound Plus Weight Division, Michelle Nusblatt was the second place finisher in the Women's Open Racewalk Division, Ellen Shapiro of Farmingdale took second place in the Women's Masters Racewalk Division, Trisha Fasini of Massapequa scored top honors in the women's 20-24 age group and Geza Feld of Farmingdale was the first place finisher in the 65-69 age group.

Top overall finishers were Vinko Markovina of Merrick and Ellen Brach of Bellmore, both of whom run for the racing team representing the Runner's Edge, located on Main Street in Farmngdale.

The entire net proceeds of the run were turned over to the Aneurysm Network for Grants, Education and Loving Support (ANGELS) for the benefit of victims of brain aneurysm and their families. It was created as a legacy for and a tribute to Josephine Visconti, who died on Jan. 23, 1999 from complications of a brain aneurysm. The ANGELS foundation is dedicated, as Josephine was, to helping people. The key mission of the ANGELS is to be a liaison between brain aneurysm patients, their families and their needs.

This year's run was once again administrated by the Greater Long Island Running Club, with technical direction supplied by David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians. ANGELS president Darlene Ragone served as the race coordinator. Congressman Peter King served as the honory chairman of the race committee. This year for the first time the ANGELS run was made part of the KeySpan Grand Prix of Long Island road races conducted under the auspices of Long Island Track & Field.