Bayport-Blue Point Track Club 5-K Helps Keep Suffolk County Relays 'Running'

The Bayport-Blue Point Track Club and Lions Club sponsored the track club's 5-K Run/Walk that started at and traversed through a flat and fast route in scenic South Bayport last weekend.

All proceeds went toward the Bayport-Blue Point Track Club to help support the Suffolk County Relays, Long Island's longest running relay event, established in 1946.

Over 200 people signed up, including several parents and teachers. Participants walked, ran and a few took part with dogs in tow.

Matthew Byrne, one of the boys varsity track parents, organized the event with the assistance of all the team parents.

"I have to give most of the credit to Matt Byrne. He organized all of us really. I kind of helped out, but he did all the hard stuff," said Michael Zafonte, head coach for the Bayport-Blue Point High School Boys Varsity Track.

Zafonte solicited fundraising ideas from parents early in the year, because the Suffolk County Relays, which are held at B-BP high school every year, were cut from the budget this year.

One of the fundraising ideas that stuck was this race, and another was a 50/50 raffle that Chris Cavanaugh, the owner of in Blue Point, helped make happen.

"Every parent on the track team, every single one, has been beyond helpful," said Zafonte.  "They donate money, they donate services. They're totally amazing.  They totally want to help whenever they can."

Sayville Running Company donated their time to the charitable race.

"It's a local high school; they were looking for help. What better way than providing a service? We're timing the race, hopefully keeping good order, and helping out the local community," said Sayville Running Company employee, Mike Petrina.

As a parent and a runner, Byrne couldn't stand idly by and watch the annual event be taken away due to lack of funds.

"We can't let a tradition that started in 1946 end so we did the race and are running a 50/50, and the coach is doing some things to keep the dream alive," said Byrne. "The volunteers and the kids are great; the weather turned out nice — we lucked out."

Thanks to the efforts of Byrne and others like him, enough money was raised for the relays to be held again this May.

The Suffolk County Relays draws runners from about 20 to 25 high schools from all over Long Island and Upstate New York. It awards over 240 individual medals and team plaques, in addition to trophies given to best overall small school and large school team; and features Fully Automated Timing.

Byrne spoke to the district's stellar sports.

"They have a great track program at the school. For a small school they always have very good track and field events," he said.

He also expressed his appreciation for the dedicated parents in the district, and the hard work they put in to ensure that the kids don't suffer due to cutbacks.

"A lot of parents were willing to help. It's been fun, a little stressful, but fun," said Byrne.