Runners take to the streets for patriotic run

Independence Day this year was no different than year’s past, as the Bellmore Striders Running Club held its annual run on July 4. Hundreds of runners came together to compete in both the one-mile youth run and the four-mile adult run.

Debuting in 1976, the Striders led by coach Alex Couzzo, have acted as a support structure for young runners to develop further into post-collegiate athletes. Couzzo, a former USA track and field athlete, and the Stiders, have hosted the July 4 event for the last 40 years. The group is committed to fostering a positive community for road runners, cross country and track and field athletes. Cuozzo is also the president of USA Track & Field Long Island.

The four-mile run was divided into various age categories from ages 13- to 90-years-old, and the one-mile run was for those 12 and under, as well as walkers. The event started at Petit Avenue and ended on Grand Avenue, with refreshments being passed out at every mile checkpoint. There was also a four-mile wheelchair race for those with disabilities.

The first 600 participants to arrive were given complimentary tank tops for the race. The winners of the race in both the men’s adult category and the women’s adult category were presented with cash prizes. The winners of the youth race were each presented with medals.

This year’s four-mile winners were Jordan Daniel of Westhampton Beach, who was also the 2022 chamption, and Elizabeth Caldwell of Glen Head, who was also the 2019, 2022 and 2023 champion. The 1-mile winners included Brian Portnoy of Wantah and Sylvia Bonn of Smithtown.

To learn more about the Bellmore Striders visit BellmoreStriders.com. To see a full list of winners go to EliteFeats.com, and search Independence Day 4 Mile Run/Walk.