Fast and freaky in Wantagh

More than 600 runners took part in the John Theissen Children’s Foundation’s annual Freaky 5K last Sunday morning in Wantagh to raise money for sick and underprivileged kids. Coming in first was 22-year-old Nick Filipapazzo, of Wantagh (No. 157).

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John Theissen, right, joined by his son, John, was the organizer of the race which drew more than 600 participants.

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Amanda Borgogelli was the winner of the children’s race.

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Children lined up for the Trick-or-Trot, the half-mile race before the main event last Saturday morning.

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runners and walkers were encouraged to come in costume to the Halloween-themed race.

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Everyone with a camera gathered to get a shot of Nick Filippazzo, of Wantagh, as he crossed the finish line. He was the top runner in the John Theissen Children’s Foundation’s Freaky 5K.

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Despite light rain which made for a slippery course, it was the largest turnout ever for the Freaky 5K, the annual Halloween-themed race hosted by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.

More than 600 participants ran the course, which began and ended behind the foundation’s Family Fun Center on Wantagh Avenue on Sunday morning. Money raised will go to support Theissen’s various efforts to help sick and underprivileged children.

The top finisher was 22-year-old Nick Filippazzo, of Wantagh, with a time of 14 minutes and 52 seconds. The top female runner was 28-year-old Laura Cummings, of Bay Shore. They paced the 614 runners who signed up.

Other Wantagh top finishers included Una Broderick, who was first in the female 45-49 age group, Stephanie Filippazzo, pacing the female 25-29 runners, Joseph Edelman, who won the male 13 and under group, and Andrew Zabatta, tops in the male 14-16 group.