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Overcast Pounding the pavement for police
Running Club, David Learner Associates held annual Police Appreciation Run
The Greater Long Island Running Club held its 21st annual David Learner Associates Long Island Police Appreciation Run on June 14 at Eisenhower Park. All proceeds from the event went to the Police Crisis Fund, which supports families of the local police force in emergency situations.
The running club helped create the fund and has raised more than $250,000 towards it over the years. Most recently, the fund donated $2,500 to the family of Officer John Capano, who was fatally shot during a Seaford pharmacy robbery on New Year’s Eve.
For running club president Mike Polansky, the decision to support Long Island’s law officers was an easy one. It offered an opportunity to give back to the policemen and women who provide security during road races.
“You can’t put on road races without the cops,” he said.
Polansky said Long Island’s police officers deserve a day of gratitude, calling them “underpaid, overworked and under-appreciated.”
David Learner Associates, a private investment company, has supported the race since its inception. Polanksy said the company is a great sponsor and always enthusiastic when it comes to organizing the event.
At this year’s edition, 419 people competed in the 5K race, with hundreds more on hand to take part in the event. Sal Nastasi, 32, of Massapequa Park, came in first with a time of 16:49 while 93-year-old Bill Benson, of Valley Stream, finished first in his age group.
