Rockaway Turns Out for the Rose Gurry Run

By Katie McFadden

The day before Mother’s Day sure was a special one for those who took part in the Rockaway Track Club’s Mother’s Day Half Marathon and Rose Gurry Mother’s Day 5K & 1 Mile Walk to benefit the Rockaway Special Athletes.

The run was held in honor of Rose Gurry, the very first volunteer for the Rockaway Special Olympics program, who was present for the run/ walk on Saturday, May 13. Gurry was honored for her 22 years of volunteerism with the group, as well as other moms and volunteers who are no longer with us, including Regina Clark, Mary Mullally, Consuelo Batres, Maura Brosnan, Kay Manning, Fran Romano, Virginia Rupp, Anne Reilly and Diane Erhard.

The day began at St. Camillus Springman Hall, where the Special Athletes meet each Monday, for registration and bib pickup. Participants had the option of participating in a half marathon, a 5K or a one-mile run/walk, which all began on the boardwalk at Beach 94th Street at 9 a.m. All participants were treated to an after party with bagels, coffee, treats and dancing.

Nearly 150 people participated in one of the three events, including many of the St. Camillus Special Olympic athletes! Time was kept and some participants outperformed! In the half marathon, Nicanor Cacanindin came in first with 1:25:08. Miley Timothy came in second at 1:25:16 and Daniel Collins came in third with 1:28:36. In the 5K, James McVeigh came in first with a time of 18:50. Tom Patchett came in second at 19:09 and Moe Byrne came in third at 21:26, making her the top female. For the one-mile run/walk, Siobhan O’Sullivan came in first with 12:32. Barbara McDermott came in second with 21:55, and Victoria and Lillian Moley were tied for third at 23:22.

The next Rockaway Track Club event is the Father’s Day Half Marathon & 5K on June 17. For more info or to register, head to Rockawaytc.org

Photos from the Rockaway Track Club.