96-year-old Valley Streamer wins running award

Valley Stream resident Bill Benson, center, was congratulated by, from left, the Greater Long Island Running Club’s vice president, Mindy Davidson, President Mike Polansky, Vice President Carl Grossbard and Executive Director Linda Ottaviano.

Courtesy GLIRC

Bill Benson, 96, of Valley Stream, was recognized by the Greater Long Island Running Club at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library on Dec. 15 for his commitment to the sport.

“It was a real pleasure for us to present this award to our good buddy Bill Benson,” said Running Club Vice President Carl Grossbard.  “Bill is not only an incredibly durable athlete, but one of the nicest people in the Long Island running community.”

Benson is the oldest runner currently competing in races with the organization, which is the largest and most active running club on the Island, with an active membership across all age groups. This is the twelfth consecutive year that Benson received a championship award for his age group. When Benson isn’t racing, he’s volunteering with the club and his fellow athletes.