Rockaway Track Club Spring Half Marathon & 5K Run a Huge Success

By Charmaine McVeigh

The new amphitheater on Beach 94th Street was the venue for the start of the Rockaway Track Club Spring Half and 5K on Saturday, April 15. Over 200 runners competed in the two events with near perfect weather and a great time was had by spectators and competitors alike.

In the 5K, the top three male finishers were Ronald Dorsett (18:21), Yacine Mehtar-Tani (20:36) and Paolo Capuzi (21:47). The top three female finishers were Palnicia Mendez (26:58), Sarah Lucas (27:14) and Mae Woods (28:25).

In the half marathon, the top male finishers were Jeff Propert (1:18:24), Francisco Martinez (1:21:06) and Padrig Davies (1:22:23). The top female finishers were Kaitlyn Dibello (1:26:07), Alex Gilgore (1:38:49) and Penelope Maher (1:41:45).

It should be noted that this was 12-year-old Penelope’s first half marathon, and she crushed it! She finished third overall, winning several age groups. She and her father traveled from Summit, New Jersey to run the half and we look forward to seeing them again.

Runners from all over the tri-state came to the event as well as competitors from Ireland, England, Germany, Scotland, Jamaica and Trinidad.

Special kudos to local favorite Steve Gifford who finished his 5,000th half marathon in top form and Father James Rodriguez of St. Rose of Lima who finished the half marathon in style.

Next up, on Saturday, May 13 is the Rose Gurry Mother’s Day 5K, 1 mile walk to benefit rockaway special athletes, and half marathon. Rose Gurry has been an avid supporter of Rockaway running for over half a century and an original volunteer and contributor to Rockaway Special Athletes since its beginning in 1996. All proceeds for this event will go to support all our special athletes.