The first annual Roslyn Hilltop 5K Race, which took place on Sunday, April 22, was a great success. Several hundred people, including over 200 runners, attended the event. More than 50 neighborhood kids participated in the 1/2-mile Fun Run.

The 3.1-mile race started on Roundhill Road at Roslyn High School, and proceeded to the clock tower, through the Village of Roslyn, through Strathmore, and finished back at the high school. Roslyn Rescue and 6th Precinct police officers ensured the safety of the runners and walkers along the race course.

Trophies were awarded in age and gender categories, ranging from 10 and under to cover 70, as well as a Roslyn School District staff category and overall male and female finishers. In the Men's Overall category, Ryan Robitaille finished first, closely followed by Richard Beatus in second, and Michael Pokrassa in third. In the Women's Overall category Diana Bernier finished first, followed by Melissa Soss in second and Loren Taylor in third. Bob Kuzyn, of Roslyn Middle School, finished first among Roslyn staff, followed by Jeff Gould in second and J. Ricardo Perez in third.

Winners in the other categories were: Girls 14 and Under: Jennifer Marano in first. Rikki Studley second, and Liana Vitale and Sara Rosenzwey (tie) in third; Girls 15-19: Ashley Donnenfeld in first, Alison Weintraub in second, and Heather Murphy in third; Women's 25-29: Bethann Bark in first, Jodi Siff second, and Donna Lercara in third; Women's 30-34: Jennifer Keenan in first, Grace Young second, and Nancy Farrell third; Women's 35-39: Ruth Estrada first, Elayna Kaplan second, and Sara Joblonski third; Women's 40-44: Susan Scheinman first, Lori Pinchasick in second, and Gail Siller third; Women's 45-49: Ada Berkowitz first, Judy Baum second, and Karen Cooper in third. Berta Balkan finished first, Gail Robitaille finished second, and Sara Blackburn finished third in the next category.

Winners in the Boys and Men's categories were: Boys 15-19: Joe Marano first, Ashley Duvernay second, and Sabu Hayes in third; Men's 20-25 was won by Ben Ellis; Men's 25-29 was won by Ben Tanen, followed by Keith Tyler in second; Men's 30-34: Mark Arena in first, Peter Scherr in second, and Chrid Korpi third; Men's 35-39: Robert Tepper first, Glenn Maller in second, and Michael Glover third; Men's 45-49: Leo Murillo first, Robin Robitaille second, and Tony Asiaghi third. Daniel Badalament finished first, followed by Victor Medina in second and Ted Blackburn in third in the next category.

Special mention must be made of the Boys 10 and Under category, which was led by 8-year-old Spencer Schwartz. Spencer was followed by Jake Frey, also 8, in second and Thomas Pfrang, 9, in third. There were several other finishers in this category, all of whom demonstrated stamina and ability.

This event could never have been organized without the tremendous support of all of the volunteers who worked with Hilltop and with local businesses to organize and publicize this event, and who offered their time at registration, along the course, and with the Fun Run.

The Roslyn School District Community Relations and Physical Education Departments were also essential to the organization and success of the Hilltop 5K, particularly Dr. Mira Martincich, head of the Phys Ed Department, and Barry Edelson, community relations director.

Fresh Fields, Waldbaum's, Fiji Water, Cape Code Potato Chips, Bagelmania, Dunkin Donuts and Robert's American Gourmet donated free refreshments that were distributed to everyone who attended. There was also a mini Health Expo presented by North Shore Optics, North Nassau Physical Therapy, Chiropractor David Klapper, Massage Works, Dr. Betsy Spicer and Orthopedist David Benatar.

Finish Line photos were taken by Owen Photography, and can be viewed and purchased on-line at www.owenimaging.com. The goody bags were donated by Athlete's Foot, and Pierce Country Day Camp, Athlete's Foot, North Shore Optics and Fresh Fields donated the contents. Raffle prizes were donated by many local businesses and were awarded to race participants. East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz called raffle winners.

The Roslyn Hilltop Educational Foundation is a non-profit, independent funding resource for educational programs throughout the Roslyn School District. Hilltop provides grants annually for technological, cultural and academic programs at each of the district's schools, and has donated over $80,000 for educational resources and outstanding programs.

For information about the Hilltop Foundation and the planning of next year's 5K event, please call 625-6315.