Notwithstanding several inches of snow still covering the Bethpage State Park trails on the morning of February 24, a great turnout of 145 teams of three runners each successfully completed the 2008 edition of the North Fork Bank 3 runner by 2 mile Trail Relay.

The Bellmore Striders team of Chris Fogarazzo, Matt Uzenski and anchor leg Sal Nastasi scored a 42 second victory over their rivals from the Sayville Running Company, with a total time of 33:05 that was certainly more than respectable considering the snowy conditions. The Bellmore Striders Women's team of Tara Wilson, Meghan Evangalopous, and Michelle Henschel had a much easier time of it in winning the Open Women's Division.

Of local interest, Oyster Bay superstar Tracy Kemper ran the leadoff leg for the Long Island Distance Project team that took first place honors in the highly competitive Women's Masters Division of the Relay. In what was the most competitive race of the day, the LIDP ladies crossed the finish line in a combined time of 43 minutes, 51 seconds, a scant 18 seconds in front of the second place women's team representing the Sayville running Company.

Congratulations to Relay Co-Directors Charlie Hamilton and Carl Grossbard of the host Greater Long Island Running Club on a flawless job of putting together all the pieces, and to all the volunteers who made the day a great experience for everyone who was on hand for the event!

A special "thank you" to Relay title sponsor North Fork Bank, and to NFB's David Kurtzman for making it happen, as well as to Bob Cook and the Runner's Edge for serving as the secondary sponsor once again.

The Club was pleased at the success of the 2008 North Fork Bank Trail Relay, and was also pleased that as a result of the Relay the Club will be able to make another substantial donation to the Center For Developmental Disabilities and the good work that they are doing with special children.