Racers of all ages took a 3.1-mile journey from the front of Wantagh High School to the track in honor of the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The second annual Wantagh Warrior 9/11 Memorial 5K was a tremendous success with about 750 participants between the main race and a kids’ fun run. 

 

The kids’ 400-meter dash kicked off the event, sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation, Orlin-Cohen Sports Medicine the Wantagh 6-12 Association and more than a dozen local businesses and organizations. Pre-race ceremonies took place in front of the high school on the Town of Hempstead showmobile, with student Emily McHale singing the national anthem and a performance by the Nassau County Police Pipe and Drum Band. High school Assistant Principal Dr. Christopher Widmann read aloud the names of Wantagh residents and alumni who perished in the 9/11 attacks. 

 

The idea for the race came about from the district’s partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. In April 2023, Wantagh High School was chosen for the Soaring Valor trip, and 20 students accompanied World War II veterans to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. That summer, the foundation sponsored a trip for more than 100 Wantagh students to visit the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan, and the trip has since become an annual tradition for juniors.

 

High School Principal Dr. Paul Guzzone said that money raised from the 5K goes towards scholarships for high school seniors and helps offset the cost of the trip to the 9/11 museum for students. Money is also being set aside to create a permanent 9/11 memorial at the high school. 

 

“It is essential for our students to understand the tragedy of 9/11,” Dr. Guzzone said, “but even more importantly to know that evil did not triumph, humanity did. On that day, our bravest and finest fulfilled their duty to serve and protect, many until their last breath, and ordinary citizens paid the ultimate sacrifice to committing themselves to service over self.”

 

After remarks from Wantagh resident Mary Farrell, NCPD Deputy Commissioner Kevin Smith and County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, the racers were off, following a path down Wantagh Avenue, past Forest Lake School and over the Wantagh Parkway pedestrian bridge. Wantagh High School senior Ian Frazer was the first to be spotted entering the back fields, and he crossed the finish line at 15:07 as the 5K’s top finisher. It was a repeat for Ian, who bested last year’s time by 31 seconds. 

 

Another Wantagh senior, Riley Adams, was the top female racer with a time of 22:36. After 553 runners and walkers crossed the finish line, an awards ceremony recognized the top three finishers in each age group and best overall runners. 

 

The 5K was hosted by Race Awesome and full results are available online here: