An errant turn along the way turned the 12th annual Ho Ho Ho Holiday Run from a 3.1 mile run into a 3.95 miler, but the extra distance didn't faze first female finisher Donna McMahon of Farmingdale or many others of the 1,182 finishers in Bethpage's annual celebration of the holiday season for the Long Island running community. The Greater Long Island Running Club combined with primary Run sponsor Mobile Eight Apparel Corporation and its On the Brink line of Sportswear, Grubb & Ellis Realty, and the Town of Oyster Bay to help local runners enjoy a great morning of family fun and fitness on the roads of Bethpage.

The indomitable McMahon, who is at age 29 Long Island's top female triathlete, and who has finished as either the first or second woman in every race she has competed in on Long Island this year, crossed the finish line at Bethpage High School in 23 minutes, 8 seconds, 9 seconds ahead of runner-up Kathy Martin of Northport, a pace of 5:52 per mile.

Other local runners winning awards in the Ho Ho Ho Run included Colleen Kenny of North Massapequa (24:41), fourth woman overall and first in the 25-29 age group; Kristin Daly of Massapequa (30:00), third woman 15-19; Katrina Panasuk of Massapequa Park (27:15), second woman 20-24; Kieran Kelly of Massapequa (23:40), third 50-54; Roger Williams of Massapequa (28:56), first 70-74; George Hewry of Massapequa (26:46), third finisher in the Clydesdale 185-199 weight division; Dennis Bujacich of Massapequa Park (28:12), third finisher in the Clydesdale 200 plus weight division; and Ruth Joyce of Massapequa (32:30), third in he Women's Clydesdale 140-159 weight division.

Nearly 100 younger runners (age 12 and under) were part of the 1/4 mile Fun Run on the Bethpage High School track that preceded the main event.

But the story of the day wasn't as much individual performances but the kind of holiday spirit that pervaded the morning. A team from the College Point Road runners ran as eight shepherds and eight sheep, The Runners Edge Team showed up to run as Santa's reindeer, three Wise Men were out on the roads, as well as assorted Rudolphs, elves, Santas and other runners attired in a holiday manner.

Ed Kovesdy of the Greater Long Island Running Club served as the race director, with David Katz of Finish Line Road Race Technicians serving as the technical director. David was especially instrumental in remeasuring the course and adjusting the scoring when it was learned that the runners had gone off course.

Nassau County Legislator Ed Mangano served as the official starter that sent the runners on their way down Cherry Avenue. Oyster Bay Town Cuncilman Len Symons was among the competitors, scoring in 590th place overall in 35:02.

The net proceeds of the 1999 Ho Ho Ho Holiday Run will be turned over to the Bretton Bowl Fund for the needy families of Bethpage, and the ASPIre program for the rehabilitation of young amputees, victims of bone cancer and traumatic amputations.

"We were thrilled by the turnout today, and grateful for the support we have received from the folks who turn out for the On the Brink line of sportswear, the Town of Oyster Bay, and Grubb & Ellis for making possible this wonderful celebration of the holiday season," said Race Director Ed Kovesdy. "We apologize for the course error, and hope that everyone had a great morning in spite of it! Our club wishes the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons to everyone!"