Running For Charity

Sayville Running Company always likes to give back to the local community, and what better way to do that than by running?

On Saturday, the Running Company held a Prediction Run through the streets of South Sayville. There was no entry fee for the race, as runners were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. Two big boxes of goodies for the children were overflowing by the time the race began.

Participants could choose from either a 3- or 6-mile course. They were led through the course by the Running Company’s own Rudolph. Co-owner Mike Nolan said about 50 people signed up for the run.

Leaving all their watches and timing devices at the store, runners were asked to guess their finish time. The top 10 runners closest to predicting their time received prizes courtesy of the Running Company, with the top finisher taking home a new pair of running sneakers.

Jeanine Young of Sayville, participating in her second race ever, completed the 3-mile course. She was pleased to have finished more than two minutes ahead of her last race, but was also happy to be a part of giving to charity this holiday season.

The top six winners came in with predictions less than a minute away from their time. The top prize went to Bob Nissan, who came in just four seconds away from his predication.

Brendan Barrett, co-owner of Sayville Running Company, said they were really pleased with the turnout for the race.

"This is such a good thing to be doing for the kids," he said.

Next on tap for the Running Company is the on Jan. 28 at 8:30 a.m. The second annual run starts and ends at the Blue Point Brewing Company.