Linda Ottaviano of Cold Spring Harbor earned the "mud and blood award for 2008!

More than 500 runners participated in the 16th annual edition of Long Island Blood Services "Rob's Run," a 5 kilometer cross country race held on Sunday, November 30 at Stillwell Woods in Syosset. Four hundred and seventy-four runners braved the freezing rain, snow and mud to make their way to the finish line.

Top finisher overall was Chris Mammone of North Merrick, with a time of 15 minutes, 22 seconds that was almost incredible under the conditions that prevailed and brought him to the finish line 53 seconds in front of runner-up Billy Holl of North Babylon. Lesley Higgins of New York City won the women's division in 18:05.

Top local finishers included Linda Ottaviano of Cold Spring Harbor, who scored as the 5th Masters woman (age 40 plus) and took top honors in the women's 50-54 age group, Kelly Pickard of Oyster Bay, who earned second place honors among the women in the 45-49 age group, Amanda Wolfer of Woodbury and Karissa Chiantella of Bayville, who scored first and third respectively in the women's 15-19 age group.

Proceeds from this event, sponsored by Long Island Blood Services (LIBS) and coordinated by the Greater Long Island Running Club, were donated to the ASPIRE Program for the rehabilitation of young amputees. Registration and the awards ceremony were held at the Center for Developmental Disabilities, directly adjacent to Stillwell Woods, with the Center generously providing its facilities for that purpose.