(Continued from Home Page)

Ossining community members, athletes, and runners, ranging in age from six to seventy, were joined at the starting line by participants from all over Westchester and beyond. Among those who came from farthest afield were officials from the New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT), who ran and walked along with local teachers. The Ossining High School Marching Band and Color Guard played and cheered at the run/walk start, where a trainer from Club Fit did stretch and go warm-ups.  Lisa Goodkin and Dylan Sri-Jayantha led the pack, and finished with the top times overall. This year Ossining MATTERS also honored the fastest male and female Ossining Union Free School District residents, Dylan Sri-Jayantha and Elizabeth Endrich, as well as first place student finishers, Dylan Sri-Jayantha and Olivia MacDonald. And all participants eight and under received ribbons.

Scores of community volunteers, including Ossining Mayor Bill Hanauer, plus members of the Police Department and the Recreation Department, helped to make the day the big success it was. Dozens of Ossining MATTERS volunteers registered and checked in participants on race day; handed out this year’s t-shirts; took photos; marked the race course; and clipped timing chips from runners’ shoes. Members of the school board and district administration served water to the runners and walkers along the way, as OHS cheerleaders urged everybody on to the finish line, where members of the marching band celebrated the finish of the race.

Inside the community center, runners and walkers returned to find the Ossining Teachers’ Association serving up refreshments donated by local businesses and restaurants, a student band so good that even exhausted runners were dancing, and a kids’ festival with face painting and balloons. World-famous marathoner Khalid Khannouchi signed autographs for excited fans, and friends and neighbors enjoyed the chance to catch up on news of the summer and the new school year.

“The energy in this room is amazing!” said Run/Walk Chair Kathleen Crowley McCulloch. Ossining MATTERS President Ginny Loughlin concurred, adding, “Once again, this community has shown that we’ll turn out to support what’s important – better educational opportunities for every student in Ossining – no matter what. Thank you all!” 

Congratulations to all who participated, and many thanks to the volunteers, fans, supporters, donors, and community sponsors whose dedication and contributions made the event possible.