For the second year in a row, Thanksgiving Sunday turned out to be one of the most beautiful days of Autumn, and a record field of 530 intrepid cross country runners showed up to enjoy a picture perfect morning of running through the trails of Stillwell Woods in Syosset.

Speaking of records, Chris Fogarazzo of the Bellmore Striders set an incredible course record of 15:19 in this year's edition of the Run, eclipsing the old 15:50 record set by Michael Nehr in 2003 by 31 seconds! Runner-up Chris Mammone also broke the previous record, crossing the finish line in 15:35. Former Syosset High School superstar Mark Alizzi was the third finisher in an excellent 16:03.

University of Rhode Island speedster Katherine Guilfoyle, who had been the OA women's winner of the Heart & Sole 5K back in July, was the winner again at Rob's Run, scoring in a strong 19:23, 9 seconds in front of Kathy Martin, with Noni Accetturi and Crystal Cammarano finishing in tandem in third and fourth places among the women.

The Bellmore Striders captured both the Men's and Women's Open Team Championships. The Northport Women took top honors in the Women's Master's Division and, in the most exciting contest of the morning, the GLIRC Men's Masters team of Michael Robles, Paul Murphy, Guillermo Fuentes & Bill Gironda outpointed the Super Runners Shop team of Chris Webber, Ken Bohan,Pete McNeill & Alan Oman by a single place in the Men's Masters Division. The Bohemia Track Club won both the Men's and Women's Senior Masters Divisions.

The Valley Stream South team won the High School Girls Division, the "Uh Oh Oreo" Team from Syosset took High School honors, the Pixie Thunder Chicks led the Middle School Girls, and the Great Hollow Running Club won the Middle School Boys Competition. The "Average Joes" team - another group of young Syosset runners, won the Open Coed Division and "No White Hair" earned top honors in the Masters Coed Division.

Race Director Jim Murray did an outstanding job of putting together the pieces for the third year in a row. Thanks as well to Mark Rollino and the gang from Organic Juices USA, who were on hand to distribute their Elite Naturel juices to the thirsty finishers. Another Thank You to John Snitko of JMS Racing Services for still one more outstanding job of timing and scoring Long Island Blood Services' Rob's Run.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rose Walker, Oyster Bay Parks Commissioner Richard Betz, and Oyster Bay Town Recreation Supervisor Diane Blanchard once again came through with the support that made the event possible.

Most important of all, our thanks go to our title sponsor Long Island Blood Services, its Executive Director Dr. James Louie, and its Marketing Director Harvey Schaffler for their years of support for this important event.

We were pleased to once again dedicate Long Island's premiere cross country event to the memory of Rob Lauterborn, a talented runner and extraordinary human being, and we were pleased to welcome Rob's brother Eddie Lauterborn to the event again this year.

Hold the date for next year - Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007 for the 15th annual edition of Rob's Run!