Nearly 400 runners participate in 10th annual Eastchester 5K despite rainy weather
Victor Palumbo was the first runner to cross the finish line.
The 10th annual Eastchester 5K went on Sunday despite the rainy weather brought on by Ophelia.
Around 400 runners came to Eastchester Town Hall just before 9 a.m. to stretch and then begin the three-mile race. Family members and friends of the runners were under umbrellas and cheering them on.
"We were looking to find something that could bring the community together in large quantities and races seems [sic] to do that," said Gary McCloskey, president of the Eastchester 5K.
Not only did the race bring members of the community together, but it serves as an annual fundraiser. Officials predicted that the event will raise just under $15,000 this year, which will be going toward the Eastchester Sports Club, the Eastchester Library and the Eastchester Community Action Program.
Supporting the local community was one of the reasons why Victor Palumbo said he wanted to run the race. He was the first to finish the 5K.
"It feels great... feels good to come out here and secure the win," Palumbo said.
Sunday's rain made the roads a bit slippery for the runners. However, some participants whom News 12 spoke with, like Conor Boyle, seemed to prefer these conditions.
"It's cloudy and not too hot, so it should be a good day to run," Boyle said.
Also competing at 79-year-old was Bill Smith, who was celebrating his birthday. He told News 12 that he was going to eat a nice dinner to celebrate.
