A Great Neck tradition for 23 years, UCF's 5-Mile run, set for Nov. 12 at the USMMA, brings together members of the Great Neck Community, as well as running enthusiasts from the entire Tri-State area, for a morning of fun and competition. It also helps the Great Neck community by raising needed moneys for UCF's 14-member agencies.

This year's event also adds a new twist with the addition of a 5K run, Race Producer Michael Larkin commented, "We receive a great deal of calls about our event. Many of the callers asked us to include a 5K this year and we are happy to oblige." Both the 5-Mile and 5K will begin simultaneously at 9 a.m.

The 23rd annual UCF run is being chaired by Linda Imperatore. Mrs. Imperatore joined UCF as a director this past June and quickly volunteered to chair the race. Imperatore, who holds a doctorate in psychotherapy, has dedicated all of her professional years to helping people having held positions at Long Island Jewish Hillside Hospital and New Horizon Counseling Center. She also has a private practice in Great Neck. Imperatore is very acquainted with the fine work performed by UCF's member agencies. She added, "I have made many referrals to these agencies and know of their high quality from the patients that I have referred. Now I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue helping people in another way - by working for UCF."

A resident of Great Neck for 21 years, Imperatore is involved in many community activities besides UCF. She is a warden and varsity member of All Saints Episcopal Church and secretary of the tennis advisory committee for the Great Neck Park District. Imperatore commented, "I am excited about chairing this event and I look forward to doing so for years to come. I also hope to bring in other new directors to serve on the UCF board.

This year's honorary chair is Bill Omeltchenko. A fixture at the USMMA for 42 years, where he served as a track coach, as well as a professor of Spanish and French, Omeltchenko's athletic prowess extends far beyond the Great Neck Peninsula. He represented the United States at the 1950 Maccabee Games in Israel where he finished second in both the 800 and 1500 meter runs. After injuring his knees, Omeltchenko turned to walking where he became a member of 10 national three man teams, as well as being a national ranked racewalker in events from the one mile to the 50 kilometer walk.

The Omeltchenko family has also been a fixture in the Great Neck School District. The late Maria Omeltchenko taught Spanish at Great Neck South High School for 20 years. Three of Omeltchenko's children were voted the best athletes at Great Neck Senior High School in their senior year. Bill, Jr. played basketball at Princeton where he was captain of the team and selected to the first all-Ivy League Team. Chris was All New England in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the University of Massachusetts and has coached track at Great Neck North for 14 years. Vicki was an all-county basketball player at Great Neck North.

Omeltchenko has this to add, "running is a very important activity for health reasons. People are very conscious of their physical condition and running is a great way to control weight and to keep the heart in the best physiological condition possible. Running is also important for diabetics and those who are concerned with their cholesterol level. In five years, more people will be running as they get more concerned about their health.

To register for the 23rd annual 5M/5K run call 482-8101 or register online at www.active.com. All proceeds from the event benefit UCF's member agencies which include, CLASP, Coalition Against Domestic Violence, COPAY, Manhasset-Great Neck EOC, Girl Scouts, Great Neck Senior Center, Great Neck Student Aid Fund, Great Neck Visiting Nurse Association, North Shore Child and Family Guidance, North Shore University Hospital, The Salvation Army, Sara's Center, The Rehabilitation Institute, Womanspace.