Avramenko Tops Competitive Field of 31st Annual Joe Koziarz Memorial 5K in Westhampton Beach

Just before the gun went off for the start of the 31st annual Joe Koziarz Memorial 5K in Westhampton Beach, Mike Koziarz, race organizer and son of the race’s namesake, commented that he had never run out of bib numbers, like he did on Saturday morning. Moments later, continued waves of runners and walkers made their way down Stevens Lane and onto Library Avenue.

Nearly 350 people crossed the finish line, significantly more than last year’s race, which made its return after a two-year hiatus both due to the pandemic and completion of the revitalization of Westhampton Beach Main Street. Mike Koziarz said what boosted numbers, surprisingly enough, was day-of registrations.

“Our day-of registrations had gone way down, but we did a ton this year,” he said. “We had an awesome turnout. More than I anticipated, for sure.”

While 345 runners and walkers crossed the finish line, the number of people who actually registered was closer to 400. Those numbers are not where they were at the height of the race, which were close to 600 a few times years back, but they are steadily making a return. Mike Koziarz noted that there are so many races out there now, and so many other events going on the same day as the race, that’s really why numbers haven’t climbed significantly, but he was excited to see those numbers increase this year.

Sergey Avramenko, the 38-year-old Belorussian native who has certainly made a name for himself the past few years among the East End road racing circuit, had never won the Koziarz 5K before this weekend, but he was able to add to what has become a long list of victories. Avramenko beat out last year’s champion, Jeffrey Ares, and a rather strong field overall, crossing the finish line in 16:02.14, a mile pace of 5:10. Ares, 39, of New York City and Westhampton Beach, followed just seconds later at 16:10.75.

Coming off of a second-place finish nearly two weeks ago in the Firecracker 8K in Southampton Village, Avramenko was happy with the win.

“I think Jeff was pushing me. I kept hearing his footsteps and it made me motivated,” he said. “If I was running just by myself, I think I would give up a little and just slow down my pace.”

Peter Bartlett, 36, of New York City finished third overall in 16:46.84, Trevor Hayes, 17, of East Moriches, and a rising senior at nearby Westhampton Beach High School, finished fourth in 17:08.91, and then this year’s female champion, Aileen Barry, 41, of Manhasset crossed in 17:29. Barry was last year’s runner up among women. Last year’s female champion, Kimberly Donahue, did not return.

Jenny Grimshaw, 31, of San Francisco and Southampton, another familiar face on the East End racing circuit, finished second among women in 18:05.91. Steffi Vickers, 27, of Remsenburg and a Westhampton Beach High School graduate, finished third among women in 20:06.12. Then Katie Gleason, 25, of Westhampton and Tara Farrell, 44, of East Quogue, crossed almost simultaneously, in 20:17.90 and 20:18.50, respectively, to round out the top five women.

All results can be found at elitefeats.com.

Avramenko is eyeing several more races this summer, particularly Jordan’s Run, another 5K in Sag Harbor on July 30, the Run for Hope back in Southampton Village on August 6, and then a few weeks later, on August 20, Avramenko will be looking to defend his title at a Southampton staple, Ellen’s Run.

Avramenko, who is living in Hampton Bays this summer and splits time between his native Belarus, said there are a multitude of reasons why he continues to compete in race after race. He noted that on Saturday it was his wife, Angelica’s 33rd birthday, and she told him to have fun, to which he quipped, “My dear, I’m dying every race because I’m running my best. I have fun before the race, after the race. The emotions that I’m experiencing before the race and even during the race, even though I’m struggling every race, I’m still having fun.

Avramenko added that it’s also nice to get some attention and to help people when they ask him for it. He also likes to see his own personal improvement after each race.

“Like Tony Robbins said, ‘Progress is happiness,’” he said. “When I improve, I’m so happy. Even though I’m getting older, I still keep on improving, so I think it’s good stimulus as you get better. My bachelor’s degree is in physical education, so I totally agree that movement is the key of life. When you stay still, it’s a like a car, the engine needs to be running. If it stays still, it’s dying. Same with our bodies. That’s why I’m into health. I’m starting to consult people, like with health and lifestyle.

“So the races are fun, I get to talk to people, and I do enjoy winning,” he continued. “Plus the Hamptons is a very beautiful place. I make new friends, and it’s totally amazing. I’m so happy.”

Proceeds from the Joe Koziarz Memorial 5K will continue to benefit local organizations such as the Southampton Town Police Athletic League, the Koziarz Hurricane Scholarship Fund, the Peconic Bay Medical Center Emergency Room and other local charities.