The worst weather conditions of winter hit Long Island just hours before the start of the inaugural Kings Park 15 Kilometer Run on March 22, but the snow, ice and wind didn't deter the 493 runners who successfully completed the race, particularly a couple of local residents who came home with age group awards after competing against a quality field of athletes.

Sixty-one year-old Julie Shapiro of Jericho was the oldest woman to finish, and took top honors in the age 60 and over women division with a time of 1 hour, 39 minutes, 18 seconds. Joan Ackerman, a 55-year-old Syosset resident, scored as the second place woman in the 55-59 age group, crossing the finish line in 1:45:33.

In addition to the difficulties caused by the weather, the hills of Kings Park very much took their toll on the runners. It was a course that included long uphill stretches on Sunken Meadow Road, Landing Road and St. Johnland Road, and a last uphill mile on Old Dock Road just before the finish at W.T. Rogers Middle School. "This course was almost too tough to race," one runner was heard to say as he crossed the finish line.

The run was staged by the Plainview-Old Bethpage Road Runners Club, Long Island's largest running club. The entire net proceeds were turned over to the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. The race was directed by Road Runners Club Vice President Don Butchin, with an assist from Craig Courounis and from Mary Ellen Stajk of Kings Park, who served as community relations consultant.

"We were thrilled that such great competitors as Julie and Joan did so well in this inauguaral race," observed race director Don Butchin. "Our thanks to them and to all the other runners from Syosset, Jericho and the rest of Long Island who helped make this event a success. All in all, it was a great day notwithstanding the weather, and a great beginning for the newest Long Island running tradition. On Sunday, March 23, 1999 the challenge will continue."