Community Corner

Not To Miss: 5K Thunder Run Through Hidden Pond

Rolling Thunder Special Needs running program hosts its annual fundraiser in Hauppauge on Sunday.

Runners will take over Hauppauge's streets for Rolling Thunder's 13th annual 5K Thunder Run on Sunday at 9 a.m.

Rolling Thunder, a nonprofit organization that trains challenged athletes to compete in sporting events, is hoping to raise funds to continue its training programs and bring its 160 athletes to Disney World's Half Marathon and Marathon Relay events in January 2012.

"More than 80 percent of our athletes have autism or another spectrum disorder," said event co-organized DawnMarie Meany. "Others have Down syndrome and we train some physically challenged athletes."

Find out what's happening in Hauppaugewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last year, nearly 500 residents competed in the 5K Thunder Run that starts from .

"This year we already have 300 who want to run, and if we get another 300 it would be great," Meany said.

Find out what's happening in Hauppaugewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Runners will head north on Terry Road, turn left on Town Line Road to Southern Boulevard. The course continues south on Southern Boulevard before wrapping through the local neighborhood by going south on Wedgewood Drive, turning on Lee Street before taking Lawrence Avenue back to Terry Road.

Rolling Thunder club members will be participating in the race with their coaches.

"We always have a coach run with our severely disabled children, and many are older siblings," Meany said. "We want to make sure no one wants up lost, hurt or injured."

Awards will be given out to the top three male and female finishers in various age groups and by special divisions, including the wheelchair division, physically handicapped and mentally challenged.

For younger children, there is a quarter-mile kids fun run scheduled at 8:30 a.m.

"The community has really come out to support us," the co-organizer said.

Refreshments will be available after the race. The Town of Islip will be offering the athletes free admission to Hidden Pond Park's pools after the race.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Cost to participate is $25 per runner, $12.50 for runners under 16 and $6 for the Kids Fun Run.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here