Flying Point 10K continues to raise awareness

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Runners at the start of the Flying Point 10K on Sunday. CAILIN BROPHY

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The Flying Point 10K began three years ago as a fund-raiser benefiting the Cody Center for autism research, but according to race founder Kim Covell, the event is about much more than generating money.

“The fund-raising is great, but at this point it’s about awareness,” Covell said. “I think people are really gaining a greater understanding of these children in the community and are embracing them.”

It’s a cause that is certainly dear to her heart, as her son Dylan—who will turn 10 on September 29—has autism and provided her with the inspiration to both create the race and choose a September date to honor his birthday. On a beautiful day at Flying Point Beach in Water Mill on Sunday morning, Covell and her husband, Tim Motz, were joined by members of the community young and old who share their dedication to the cause.

Approximately 250 people registered for the 10K (6.2-mile) race while an additional crew of 40 walkers participated as well. Jeff Thayer of J.T. Personal Fitness led the runners in a warm-up before the start of the event. Bryan Knipfing, 24, of Shelter Island Heights was the overall winner with a time of 35:14 (5:41 pace). He finished well ahead of the next runner, 55-year-old Kevin Carroll of Huntington Station, who was second in 37:56 (6:07). Charlie Rey, 34, of Hampton Bays was third in 38:17 (6:10) followed by Marcus Sanders, 38, of Port Jefferson who was fourth in 38:53 (6:16) and Johan Ahr, 45, who was fifth in 39:09 (6:18).

Doroteo Soledad, 33, of Water Mill took sixth in 39:15 (6:19) and Brian Manghan, 55, of Wading River was seventh in 39:29 (6:22). Timothy Armstrong of New York, 37, was eighth in 39:44 (6:24) and Bea Peterson, 43, of East Islip was the top female finisher and was ninth overall in 39:52. Steven Cuomo, 26, of Shirley rounded out the top 10 by finishing in 40:10 (6:28).

Tara Farrell, 29, of East Quogue was 14th overall and was the second female finisher in 40:50 (6:35) while Laura Brown, 41, of Westhampton was the third female finisher and was 19th overall in 41:25 (6:40).

Adam Cruz, 14, of Brentwood was the first starter and crossed the finish line as a wheelchair competitor in 29:08 (4:42). While the adults and older children had their day out on the 10K course, a group of the youngest aspiring runners took part in a 50-yard dash on the nearby beach, with their parents as well as members of the Greater Long Island Running Club cheering them on.

It contributed to the community and family-oriented feel of the day, as there were also many runners who pushed strollers across the finish line or came across hand in hand with a small child. The race was also well-attended by the Rolling Thunder running team, a group of developmentally disabled athletes and their coaches. Rolling Thunder attends many road races on Long Island, but always shows up with a good number of participants to the Flying Point race.

“It’s a natural match,” Covell said. “Having them adds such a great feeling for everyone and I really like to see those coaches working with the kids.”

Peterson, the top female finisher, also has a special connection to the Flying Point 10K. She’s done the race each year and puts on her own road race in East Islip to raise money for autism research. Two of Peterson’s four children, sons Eric, 6, and Jack, 8, have autism and she said after the race that she and Covell have developed a bond.

“We both try to help children,” she said. “This is a beautiful course and set up. You can’t beat it. Kim does a great job.”

Peterson is currently training for the New York City Marathon and is hoping to raise $10,000 for the event for autism research.

Rey, the third overall finisher, competed in the race for the first time this year and said he enjoyed the course, although he said he was somewhat surprised at his high finish, given the fact that he typically races bicycles.

“It was a really beautiful day and this is a good course,” he said. “I just used my bike fitness to get through it.”

Also helping runners get through the long race was the support of several volunteers who handed out water along the course. A large contingent of students from Southampton High School either participated in the race or helped out, which Covell said was a huge boost. Southampton High School Principal Adam Fine and several members of the faculty also participated in the race. Covell said she was grateful for his support as well as that of Farrell, who typically wins the top female award at local races but still participated on Sunday despite not feeling her best.

Thanks to Jackie Costello of Garden City, the event also featured a nice group of walkers. Costello, who came to the race for the first time last year, brought a large group with her this time around and also donated $2,100 to the cause.