The Dec. 19 meeting of the Greater Long Island Running Club served as the Club's annual Awards Night for 2006, highlighted by a bunch of very special people receiving awards in recognition of their athletic accomplishments in recognition of their service to the Club and to the Long Island running community.

Local residents were very prominent on the list of awardees.

Bob Spina, Jr. of North Massapequa was the Club Champion in the 40-44 Age Group.

Joan Ackerman of Farmingdale was the Club's Champion among the Women Ages 65-69.

Ellen Shapiro of Farmingdale was the Club's Racewalk Champion for 2006.

Robert and Melissa Kennedy of Amityville and Greg Karl of Massapequa Park took top honors in the 55-59 Age Group.

Ruth Maller of Massapequa Park was the Club's Champion among the women in the 75-79 Age Group.

Massapequa Road Runners Club President Diane Delissio won one of the prestigious "Most Improved" Awards for 2006.

"We are thrilled to have such a great collection of athletes to honor this evening," said Greater Long Island Running Club President Mike Polansky. "Long Island is one of the most exciting places in the United States to be a runner, and it is exciting to see how many excellent athletes we were able to honor tonight."