Friday, March 21, 2025
1. A chilly day for runners at Eisenhower Park
Runners from across the region gathered at Eisenhower Park on Jan. 25 for the annual Icebreaker Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K, braving the winter temperatures for a day of competition and camaraderie. The event began with the 5K at 8:45 a.m., followed by the marathon and half-marathon at 9 a.m. The looped course was designed to be spectator-friendly, featuring park paths and fully closed roads for a safe and scenic run.
Participants received tech shirts, finisher medals, and a range of perks, including live race updates, free finish-line photos, and personalized race bibs for those who registered early. The event attracted a diverse mix of runners — from seasoned marathoners to first-time racers — eager to test their endurance on Long Island’s winter racing circuit.
2. The top finishers
Competition was fierce across all distances, with impressive performances from both local and out-of-state runners. In the 5K, Michael Martinez, 41, of the Bronx took first place in the men’s division, followed by Michael Volk, 35, of Rockville Centre in second, and Ashton Eloi, 18, of Hempstead in third. On the women’s side, Megan Everswick, 39, of Newton, New Jersey secured first place, with 13-year-old Victoria Hamilton of Wading River finishing second and 15-year-old Hannah Hanley of Miller Place taking third.
The half-marathon also featured a competitive lineup. Kevin Bartolotto, 41, of Bayville finished first among the men, with Scott Crane, 36, of Huntington Station placing second, and Joseph Connerty, 37, of Bellmore rounding out the top three. On the women’s side, Cristin Delaney-Guille, 43, of Long Beach claimed victory, followed by Margarita Wickard, 47, of East Northport in second place, and Kelly Maxey, 41, of Oyster Bay in third.
In the full marathon, runners from beyond Long Island joined the competition. Frank Dougherty, 34, of Philadelphia crossed the finish line first in the men’s race, while Iain Ridgway, 45, of Worcester, Massachusetts, placed second, and Kyle Mahoney, 43, of Ballston Lake, New York, came in third. The women’s marathon field saw Amy Demarco, 41, of East Setauket take the top spot, with Helen Huang, 55, of Cold Spring Harbor finishing second, and Courtney Connelly, 25, of Moriches securing third.
3. About the organizers
The event was organized by EliteFeats in partnership with the Greater Long Island Running Club. EliteFeats is an event management and timing company dedicated to organizing and enhancing running events. It provides a range of services, including online registration, live race-day updates via text and email, personalized race bibs, and professional timing systems. Participants can also access free finish-line photos and detailed race results in real time. EliteFeats partners with running clubs, charities, and community organizations to ensure seamless events that appeal to both competitive athletes and casual participants.
The Greater Long Island Running Club is a nonprofit organization based on Long Island that promotes running and fitness within the local community. GLIRC organizes a variety of races and events throughout the year, ranging from casual fun runs to large-scale marathons and charity fundraisers. The club provides resources and social opportunities for runners, hosts training programs, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Proceeds from the Icebreaker event supported the Greater Long Island Running Club and Medals4Mettle, a nonprofit that donates race medals to children and adults battling serious illnesses.
For more upcoming races, visit EliteFeats.com.
