Recent knee surgery could not stop Port Washington resident Paul H. Aloe from finishing the 32nd annual New York City Marathon for a 10th consecutive time. "Even though this may not be my best time," Aloe said. "It's like a whole other challenge because of the knee surgery."

Aloe was certain he would not break four hours due to his recovery but he does hope to qualify for a faster marathon in Boston by running in New York. His best time was three hours and 29 minutes. "I enjoy marathon running for the challenge," he said, adding that he trained for the marathon this year by running a few half-marathons.

Yesterday, Aloe ran the New York Marathon in three hours and 43 minutes. He was placed 497th in the 45 to 49 age group.

Aloe started running in high school, in Abington, PA. He began running again about 10 years ago.

A graduate of George Washington University and Hofstra Law School, Aloe is a litigation attorney at Wachtel & Masyr in New York City. He also is president of the Monfort Hills Civic Association and a member of the North Hempstead Board of Zoning and Appeals.

Aloe said he was glad to see his son and friends cheering him on during the race. His only celebration plan, he said, was to get a massage.