When the steady rain on this dismal morning stopped streaming from the sky just before the beginning of the race, John May’s extended family took it as a sign that their beloved patriarch had a hand in the improved weather conditions.
They’d traveled to Greenport today from all across the country for the event: the 11th annual footrace at the senior community May envisioned, helped establish, and nurtured as chairman of its board of directors for more than a dozen years. The May Mile, as it has been known, was renamed this year in his honor: the John May Mile and 5K.
It was all the more fitting, then, that May’s grandson, Brian McDonnell of Burlington, Vermont was the first to cross the finish line.
Peconic Landing also posthumously honored its beloved late chairman with its 2016 Older American Champion Award.
“Mr. May was the embodiment of a true champion for older Americans, as he demonstrated through his unwavering devotion to our community since its inception,” said Peconic Landing president and CEO Robert Syron during a ceremony following today’s race.
“It’s because of his enduring commitment that we would like to present the Older Americans Championship Award posthumously this year to John May,” Syron said.
“As many of you know, Mr. May was an incredible leader – one of the finest men I’ve ever had the good fortune to know,” Syron said. “His mark will endure and touch the lives of everyone who lives at Peconic Landing for many years to come.”
Syron said Peconic Landing established the May Mile 11 years ago to recognize older Americans during the month originally set aside by President John Kennedy to encourage Americans to acknowledge the contributions of their elders.
May’s son Jeff accepted the award on behalf of his family.
“It looked like it was going to be a rough day, but someone was watching out for us,” Jeff May said.
“This is a perfect event to dedicate to Dad. It captures a lot of what he was about: family, teamwork, communuty and physical fitness. I couldn’t be more proud to be standing here on behalf of my family and accept this award for my father,” he said.
Peconic Landing has held the annual race as a fundraiser for the Greenport Fire Department, which provides fire and rescue services to the community. It raised a record $25,600 for the volunteer department this year — bringing the total raised for GFD over the past 11 years to more than $200,000.
Today’s race drew 166 participants, of which 138 finished, according to the official results posted at itsyourrace.com.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl
