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Fair Wantagh race a treat for all
More than 800 residents of Wantagh and surrounding communities got some exercise by taking part in the third annual Freaky 5K hosted by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation on Oct. 19.
The race kicked off at the foundation’s Family Fun Center on Wantagh Avenue, traveled down Beech Street and through the woods before ending at Hemmingway’s restaurant. There were 573 runners.
More than 250 children took part in the quarter-mile trick-or-trot. All participants received a medal and a bag of candy.
The winner of the 5K was Kevin Harvey, with a time of 15:29. Overall, four runners finished with times under 16 minutes.
The top placing female was Laura Cumming at 17:42. In the master’s division, for racers over 40, Wantagh resident Una Broderick led all women with a time of 19:39.
The event had a Halloween theme. Many runners came in costume, and all participants were able to make a candy stop at the 1 ½-mile mark.
John Theissen, the organizer of the event and president of the foundation, said all money raised will be used for the Wish program.
His organization grants wishes to children who are seriously or terminally ill. In the past, the foundation has paid for trips or computers. Recently, it gave 10 kids $250 shopping sprees.
Theissen said the Freaky 5K went off without a hitch and is something that people look forward to every year. “It’s become a great tradition here in Wantagh,” he said. “It’s an event for the whole family.”
