Hundreds turn out for City Manager’s Race to Remember

The Long Beach Recreation Department held its annual City Manager’s 10-mile and 5K Race to Remember on May 29.

More than 500 runners competed in the 40th annual event that, for the first time, added a 5K component this year. The race is dedicated to U.S. service men and women and former recreation leader Ralph Kaplan, who played a key role in establishing the event.

The 10-mile race started at the Recreation Center on Magnolia Boulevard, where runners proceeded down Park Avenue to Connecticut Avenue in the West End. From there, the participants had to run 3.4 miles to Pacific Boulevard, 2.6 miles back to Grand Boulevard, and finishing at the Rec Center.

The 5K also began at the Rec — the runners headed west to Lindell Boulevard until they reached the National Boulevard checkpoint and headed back to Magnolia.

City Manager Jack Schnirman — who was joined by Village of Hempstead Mayor and avid runner Wayne Hall — also participated in the 10-mile event and finished in 1 hour 35 minutes 14 seconds.

“The City Manager's Race to Remember was better than ever this year, and I was excited to celebrate my fifth year undefeated as the sole participant in the City Manager category,” Schnirman said. “Most importantly, on a hot Memorial Day weekend, whether it's the 10-miler or the 5K, it’s easy to keep in mind what the race is all about — thank you to our Joint Veterans Organization!”

Wantagh resident Sean Prinz was the male overall winner of the 10-mile with a time of 55 minutes 14 seconds. Melissa Moschetto of Long Beach was the female overall winner and first Long Beach resident to finish with a time of 1 hour 5 minutes 21 seconds. The first male Long Beach finisher was Andrew Smith, who clocked in at 1 hour 3 minutes and 56 seconds.

In the 5K-race, Bill Fisher, of Levittown, was the male overall winner with a time of 19 minutes 17 seconds, and Aileen Barry of Manhasset was the female overall winner with a time of 18 minutes 17 seconds. The first male Long Beach resident to finish the race was Francis O’Brien at 19 minutes 21 seconds. The first female Long Beach finisher was Robin Lynch with a time of 23 minutes 20 seconds.

The first place veterans from both races were recognized in observance of Memorial Day. Timothy Moley of Melville, who finished first in the 10-mile race for the male veterans, had a time of 1 hour 14 minutes 20 seconds. Michele Chattaway took first place for the women with a time of 1 hour 45 minutes 4 seconds.

Bernard Castellanos, of Brooklyn, took first place in the men’s 5K with a time of 20 minutes 34 seconds, while Lawrence resident Janet Pescatore finished first in the women’s race with a time of 35 minutes 46 seconds.

Assistant Recreation Commissioner Paul Ferrante expressed his gratitude to the groups that helped organize the event, including the Long Beach VFW Lt. John F. O'Grady Post 1384, the American Legion, the Long Beach Police and Auxiliary Police departments, and race sponsor, The Cabana.