Beating the Heat: Runners flock to LIMM for Cystic Fibrosis Race

This past weekend’s heat wave didn’t stop runners and walkers from joining together for a good cause. Close to 500 participants gathered for either the four mile run or the two mile walk at the 14th annual Run to Cure Cystic Fibrosis on July 24 at West Sayville’s Long Island Maritime Museum (LIMM).  

Sponsored by At Your Service and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, all of the money raised goes toward finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. The proceeds of event go to the CF Foundation and the Erin Duffy Local Scholarship. Erin is a teacher who recently passed away after a long battle with CF. Runners and walkers proudly displayed a shirt designed in her honor, taken from an art contest for students at Lincoln Avenue. “Every day is a gift. That is why it’s called the present,” the shirts read, while incorporating Erin’s love of nature in the design.

The money raised at the event will be used to fund viral CF research for the development of a cure. More than 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to CF research and treatment programs.  

Following the race/walk, there was a BBQ, including hot dogs, sausage and peppers, corn on the cob and watermelon. There was also live musical entertainment by The Retreads. Lead singer of the band, Debbie Tomko (also a Sayville HS alumni), took to the stage after running the race. Kids were able to take part in the family friendly event as well, with a fun run after the BBQ.

For Kim and Ed Doerrbecker of Islip, it was their first race. They didn’t do a lot of training to prepare for the event, they said, but they had a great experience despite the hot temperatures.

The event has definitely gained in popularity over the past few years, said Brendan Barrett, co-owner of Sayville Running Company, one of the sponsors of the race. “Last year a lot of runners were scared away because of the heat,” he said. “But we had a great turnout this year. I really love this race. It’s actually the first race I ever did as a kid.”

The top three male winners were: Michael Brannigan (14) from East Northport in 20:52, who was only half a minute off the course record (he has also won four races in the last four months); Dan McGrath (28) of Sunnyside in 21:09; and Billy Holl (25) of Bayport in 21:23.

The top three female winners were: Petra Fasungova (20) of Lynbrook in 24:24; Emily Brust (14) of Mastic in 24:58 (wheelchair winner); and Alyssa Knott (18) of Smithtown in 25:09.

This was the fourth event in the five-part Sayville Summer Series. The last run will take place on August 6 prior to the Summerfest celebration.