Ossining MATTERS Run/Walk
September 13th, 2003

Best Foot Forward, Indeed!
The Ossining MATTERS 5K Trail Run / 2 Mile Walk
A Great Success!

The day was gray and dreary but the spirits of several hundred walkers and runners in Ossining on Saturday morning, September 13 were sunny and bright. Fortunately the rain stayed away until later in the day. More than 500 people came out on Saturday, September 13 to participate in the kickoff fundraising event for Ossining MATTERS, Inc., a new education foundation dedicated to raising money to support special programs for students in the Ossining School District. There was a great deal of enthusiasm for the new organization and importantly, a sense of community spirit and pride. Everyone attending was eager to lend their support to Ossining MATTERS, which will use the funds raised to enrich the learning opportunities for all of Ossining's students and give each child a better chance to reach his/her fullest potential.

A highlight of Saturday's race was the "star" starter, Ossining's own Khalid Khannouchi, the fastest marathon runner in the world. He was there to officially start of the race, to meet and greet people from the community, and he graciously signed autographs and offered words of encouragement to all participants. Other noteworthy members of the community present included Mayor John Perillo; Dr. Robert Roelle, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Phyllis Glassman, Deputy Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Paul Fried, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education and Human Resources; Ms. Dealy, Principal of Park School; Ms. White, Principal of Brookside School; Members of the School Board; various local political candidates and owners of Ossining businesses.

Approximately one hundred thirty runners from Ossining and many other communities in Westchester and Connecticut crossed the finish line. The racers enjoyed the opportunity to compete in a new setting, on the 5K Aqueduct Trail course. The Westchester Track Club timed the runners, and provided technical assistance for the race. The overall fastest woman runner was Carly Robinson, a senior from Ossining High School and a member of the Cross Country Track Team, who finished in 23.35 minutes. The overall fastest male runner was Oswaldo Garcia, who finished in 19.12 minutes. Awards were distributed to various age brackets and categories, and winners received an unusual trophy -- in honor of the foundation's kick off, the trophies were bricks with inscribed brass plates.

Many families came out to walk and show their support for Ossining MATTERS There were lots of children walking and balloons were distributed to add smiles to their faces. Several Ossining sports teams participated in the race including the OHS Girls Field Hockey Team, the Cross Country Team and a few AYSO Soccer teams walked in their uniforms. All pre-registered participants received t-shirts, and water bottles were provided by The Open Door Family Medical Center. Bagels and donuts were enjoyed as people revived themselves during the award ceremonies and announcements.

The 5K run/2 mile walk consisted of an out and back loop on the historic Old Croton Acqueduct. The entire acqueduct is 41 miles long and was completed in 1842. It brought New York City its first water supply. During the race on Saturday, Michael Boyle, the Park Manager for the New York State Parks Department, opened up the rarely seen Weir chamber to show participants how the acqueduct works.

The event was generously sponsored by several local businesses including Mark Seiden Real Estate, Open Door Family Medical Center, Parise's Restaurant, Melrose Lumber, Ossining Pizzaria, Fiore Beverage Center, Eco Bags, M&M Embroidery, Linehan's, The Gazette, WCM, Briar Bagels and More, and DePaolo Design. A special thank you is extended to Anthony Parise, who coordinated the refreshments at the end of the race, and provided access to the outdoor patio, the dining room, and restrooms in the restaurant.

The festivities were enhanced by lively music provided by the Ossining High School Marching Band and the impressive maneuvers by the Color Guard. Sincere thanks to the OHS students who played, and Mr. Vargas and Mrs. Weiss, who are the band and color guard directors and OHS teachers who organized the students and joined them early in the morning to add to the spirit of the day.

We look forward to our partnership with the Ossining School District and members of the community. Let's continue to put our "best foot forward."

Results by Category   Results by Overall Time     Return to Ossining MATTERS Home Page