Eastern Long Island Hospital’s inaugural 5K Walk/Run raised close to $16,000, with over 150 participants crossing the finish line at Breeze Hill Farm and Preserve in Peconic.
The proceeds from the event benefited Behavioral Health Services at Eastern Long Island Hospital.
“We embrace those who are considering treatment for substance use and/or mental health challenges,” ELIH president and CEO Paul Connor said in a press release issued this week. “For many, this choice is the beginning of a new life. We congratulate such courage.”
“ELIH’s inaugural 5K Walk/Run was a spectacular day filled with family fun and support for our local community hospital,” Breeze Hill Farm and Preserve owner Chris Pia said. “We are extremely grateful to all of the participants and local businesses that stepped forward to establish a new event for Eastern Long Island Hospital.”
This year’s 5K Walk/Run event included a timed 5K run, a walk/run and a kid’s fun run, and an awards ceremony with medals for first, second and third place.
Jason Leonard of Southold took first place with a race time of 20:14.98. Tara Wilson of Cutchogue finished second with a race time of 20:49.46. Third place went to Brian Wolfe of Cutchogue finishing at 21:51.35. For a complete list of 5K run participants and race results, visit www.elitefeats.com.
of Shelter Island Heights finished second. Courtesy photo: ELIH
Families participated in a wide variety of pre and post-race activities including warm-up exercises by CrossFit North Tribe of Southold, face painting, puppy and kitten adoption from North Fork Animal Welfare League, and enjoyed food donated from many local establishments. A special appearance was made by Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve’s very own Dolly Llama, “Santana.”
In recognition of National Recovery Month, Eastern Long Island Hospital asks you to speak up and begin the dialogue that is needed to address addiction. Help us spread words of hope and healing to those in need of treatment. With a disease that affects roughly 23 million Americans, let’s bring awareness and let others know that prevention works and recovery is possible. For more information about Behavioral Health Services at Eastern Long Island Hospital, visit www.elih.org .
