Islanders fare well at Oysterponds 5K run


By Kevin Barry

Last Saturday, 128 runners, joggers and walkers took to the streets of Orient for the annual Oysterponds 5K Fun Run to benefit the Oysterponds School Scholarship Fund. Local Shelter Island runners dominated the medal count, taking home a total of 15 medals in their respective age groups.

The race director, Shelter Islander Jennifer Wissemann, organized the event and raffles to raise money for the scholarship fund. The run started in front of the Oysterponds School on Route 25 in Orient, headed east and quickly made a right turn, sending runners onto the beautiful and scenic back roads of Orient. The run finished in front of the Orient Firehouse.

Thom Heinz of East Marion won the race in a record time of 16:58. He was followed by the Ahearn twins, Kevin and Brian, who finished with a time of 18:51. Sixteen-year-old Doug Binder's 21:20 was good for fourth place overall in 21:20 and first in his age group. Linda McCarthy, who is getting better with age, won the women's division in 23:01. Linda was out-legged at the finish line by Darrin Binder, who won the 40-49 age division in 23 minutes flat. Jamie Rice had a great run, coming in third in the 30-39 age group and eighth overall in 23:01. But the most impressive run of the day was turned in by 10-year-old Jack Kimmelmann. Young Jack flew over the 5K course in 25:57, finishing 22nd overall and first in his age group.

Other Shelter Islanders who won awards in their age groups were:

10 and under

Justine Karen    2nd place, 34:51

Ray Karen    2nd place, 29:00

Connor Rice    3rd place, 42:40

11 to 13 years old

Charlie Binder    2nd place, 28:12

Kenna McCarthy    2nd place, 41:41

Keri Anne Mahoney    3rd place, 41:53

14 to 19 years old

Morgan McCarthy    1st place, 27:28

Katy Binder    2nd place, 27:28

Corrine Mahoney    3rd place, 33:09

40 to 49 years old

Kyle Karen    1st place, 26:06

John Mahoney    4th place, 24:54

Ed Kotula    5th place, 25:56

Walking division

Janine Mahoney, 3rd place overall