Sweet Finish Awaits Runners in Plainview 10K

Whether you have a preference for red velvet, double chocolate or vanilla sprinkle, if you run for cupcakes, then plan on making a mad dash to Plainview on Sunday, April 3 to participate in the 34th Annual

That’s because every person who participates in the charity race will get to indulge in an oversized delicious confection of their choice, courtesy of All Round Foods.

“We are thrilled that All Round Foods has generously offered to provide all race participants with their incredible cupcakes,” said Aspire Race Co-Director Karen Schackner of Dix Hills.  “Their popular baked goods are distributed throughout the tri-state area, but Long Island runners will have to look no further than the finish line to sink their teeth into them on April 3.”   

Registration is currently underway for the 2011 Aspire Run, the longest continuous 10K (6.2 mile) race on Long Island, at www.glirc.org.  Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers are expected to come together at 9 a.m. that morning to support ASPIRE, the national not-for-profit organization that provides rehabilitation services to youth and adult amputees.  

The race will step off from the H.B. on Washington Avenue and weave through the streets of Plainview.  The day will also feature a Kids 1-mile Fun Run at 9:15 a.m.   

In addition to cupcakes and other post-race refreshments, all participants will receive a top-quality long-sleeved technical shirt, have a chance to win great raffles and be offered free post-race massages.

Schackner joined (Greater Long Island Running Club) in 2007 and was invited to be a member of the Fast Feet Racing Team in 2008.  This is her first year as Race Co-Director.  

She said, "GLIRC President asked me to help out with the ASPIRE Race when I became an empty nester last year and I jumped at this opportunity to give back to the community.  I was inspired by fellow Dix Hillian Sue Fitzpatrick, our racing team manager, who coordinates the massive volunteer program for the annual Long Island Workplace Challenge and is Race Co-Director of Rob's Run, held each November."

All Round Foods President Glen Wolther will be participating in the ASPIRE Run along with Chief Operating Officer Steven Finkelstein and fellow company administrators including Patty Bonney.

“We are happy to support this great community event, both by running the race and helping to re-fuel participants afterwards,” said Wolther.  “Having run it before, I know it’s a great course and I look forward to sharing the road with everyone that morning.”   

Race organizers are offering a $500 cash price if the overall male and/or female winner sets a new course record.  Current records are 30:27 (male) and 34:55 (female).  Regardless of finish times, the top Male and Female Overall and Masters Runners will each receive an ASPIRE trophy plus a pair of Mizuno USA running shoes, courtesy of the Town of Oyster Bay and Mizuno USA.   

Trophies will also be provided to the top three male and female winners in five-year age groups, for wheelchair athletes, Clydesdales and Athenas.  Also, special awards will be provided to first Male and Female AK and BK amputees.  All Fun Run participants will receive medals.

Entry fee for the 10K is $20 pre-registered, $25 day of race.  GLIRC members receive a $2 discount on pre-registration fees and pre-registered entrants 16 & under can sign up for only $10.  Fun Run registration fee is $7 in advance and $8 day-of-race.

Besides name sponsor Nationwide Insurance, other race sponsors include Top Gun Exterminating and Runners Edge.  For more details about the run, to inquire about sponsorship opportunities or to donate raffle prizes, contact GLIRC at (516) 349-7646.  To see photos of the cupcakes and to get more information on All Round Foods, which are available both retail and wholesale, visit www.allroundfoods.com