Big Run for ASPIRE Set For Sunday

For the 35th consecutive year, hundreds of runners from throughout Long Island will come together at Plainview’s Mattlin Middle School on Sunday, April 1 to participate in the Nationwide 10 Kilometer Run for ASPIRE.

Sponsored again by the Anthony J. Wiszowaty Insurance Agency of Massapequa Park, this year’s event, which begins at 9 a.m., could draw a record number of more than 800 runners to benefit ASPIRE, the national not-for-profit organization that provides rehabilitation services to youth and adult amputees. 

However, if you are running the 6.2 mile course, you shouldn't leave after you cross the finish line. That's when the real fun begins, according to Race Director Karen Schackner.

“The 10K Race for ASPIRE is always an exciting community event but this year we’ve pumped it up even more with lots of great post-race refreshments, dozens of wonderful raffles and free massages for all,” said Schackner.  “We have also brought in professional race announcer Terry Bisogno who is known throughout the country for making every running race a true event.  Terry is guaranteed to make every runner feel like a winner.”

All Round Foods of Westbury is again donating cupcakes and muffins for the post-race refreshment station and is donating bagels and fruit.

“The food donations save us hundreds of dollars and enable us to provide more money to ASPIRE so we are extremely grateful to our food sponsors,” Schackner said.

After the refreshments and awards ceremony, all runners will have a chance to win great raffle prizes including a free transfer to JFK or LGA airport from BLS Limousine Service, a stay at Hotel Indigo East End, and two N.Y. Islanders tickets to any 2012-2013 home game with a puck autographed by goalie Al Montoya. Gift certificates will be awarded from (Plainview), Millers Ale House (East Meadow and Deer Park), Post Office Café (Babylon), Say La Vie (Cold Spring Harbor), (Plainview), (Plainview), and more.  All raffle prizes have been donated by the merchants or businesses named.

Schackner also wanted to thank returning sponsors Runners Edge of Farmingdale, the Mid Island Y JCC which is allowing use of a portion of its parking lot on the morning of the race and new race sponsor Physical Solutions Physical Therapy and Fitness (Bethpage and Mineola) whose donation underwrote the cost of the long-sleeved tech race shirts which every runner will receive, including children who participate in the Fun Run that goes off at 8:15 a.m.

On hand to help kick off the race will once again be National Long Distance Hall of Famer Nina Kuscsik, the first woman to run in the New York City Marathon, a two-time winner of the NYC Marathon and the first female winner of the Boston Marathon.

Still haven’t registered? It’s not too late. You can take advantage of the early discounted price of $20 ($18 for GLIRC, Y Members, Nationwide employees or Physical Solutions clients) by signing up at www.glirc.org.

Day of race registration is $25 beginning at 7:15 am. Kids Fun Run early discounted rate is $7 or $8 day of race and they will receive the same great racing shirt and all will receive a medal.

For more information or to donate a raffle prize, contact the Greater Long Island Running Club at (516) 349-7646.