Strong Turnout Despite Heat at 5K Thunder Run

Despite Sunday’s heat, more than 400 runners took to Hauppauge's streets for the 13th annual 5K Thunder Run.

The annual event raises funds for the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program, a nonprofit organization helping challenged individuals participate in mainstream athletics across Long Island. The goal of Rolling Thunder was to raise enough funds to continue its programs and send its athletes to Disney World for the Half Marathon and Marathon Relays in January 2012.

As runners gathered at in Hauppauge, it became obvious the biggest challenge of the day would be the heat. Soaring temperatures nearing 90 degrees challenged all runners from teens to seniors, seasoned marathon veterans to those with special needs.

“As a coach, I am out here getting a team ready for competition. I am getting them ready for the Junior Olympics,” said Steven Cuomo, president of Rolling Thunder.

Wheelchair racer Emily Brust, of Mastic, took her place in front of the pack to start the race. Born with bi-lateral hip dysplasia, Brust ra with Rolling Thunder for nearly five years before converting to a wheelchair racing as her condition progressed.

“When she first got her wheelchair, even a slight breeze would blow her backwards,” said Emily's mother, Katey, who said under Cuomo’s guidance her daughter has grown and remained competitive.

Runners followed a 3.1 mile-course north on Terry Road, turning left on Town Line Road to Southern Boulevard. The course continued south on Southern Boulevard before wrapping through the local neighborhood by going south on Wedgewood Drive, turning on Lee Street before taking Lawrence Avenue south to Terry Road.

Rolling Thunder runner Dan Renahan, 22, of Coram finished in first place with a time of 16 minutes and 13 seconds, averaging 5:14 per mile. He closely trailed by his teammate 13-year-old Michael Brannigan, of East Northport, with a time of 16:24.

“Steve has done such a marvelous job with the kids,” said Rolling Thunder coach Paul Fetscher.

Fetscher said he got involved in the program as an experienced marathon runner, wanting to help the kids and the program.

“Among other things, running gives the kids organization, confidence and they are running with a great peer group,” he said. “It’s great when you see the rewards of your hard work.”

Awards were given out to top finishers; by age group, divided into men and women, and special needs. Crowds gave an ovation to each winner, even pausing to applaud the last to cross the finish line more than an hour and a half after start, for sticking it out and finishing the race.