Danny Tateo Wins Third Annual Beacon of Hope 5K in Montauk

Three races, three champions.

Danny Tateo won the third annual Beacon of Hope 5K in Montauk on Saturday morning. The 59-year-old Armonk resident crossed the finish line in 17:56, a mile pace of 5:47. He’s the third different champion in as many years, with Claudio Telles winning the inaugural race in 2022 and Sergey Avramenko winning it last year. Neither Avramenko or Lara Jacobs, last year’s champions, returned this year. Avramenko still holds the race course record of 16:01.4.

James Bercier, 30, of North Babylon placed second in 19:11.7, while Kaitlyn Colasurdo, 28, of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, finished third overall and was the women’s champion of this year’s race in 19:22.

Alex Gershowitz, 30, of Port Jefferson finished fourth overall in 19:32.1 and Michael Pearce, 33, of Miller Place rounded out the top five in 19:33.8. Montauk’s own Emily Kenyon, 34, finished second among women in 20:40.7. Erin Lyons, 17, of East Hampton finished top three among women in 21:14.4.

Full results can be found at runsignup.com.

The race is a fundraiser for two local charities, The Coalition for Women’s Cancers and Lucia’s Angels. The Coalition for Women’s Cancers is a volunteer-driven group with a mission to create and sustain a supportive network for women affected by breast, ovarian and uterine cancers. The organization focuses on early detection and empowerment to bring about better health care and an improved quality of life, and works specifically to provide support for women and families on the East End, including the towns of Southampton, East Hampton and Shelter Island.

Lucia’s Angels, created in memory of Lucia Terzi Bagan, is committed to helping women and families on East End dealing with late-stage women’s cancers including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and uterine cancer. Lucia’s Angels has provided help and funding for gasoline gift cards, grocery gift cards, heating bills, dental work, housecleaning, rent, eyeglasses, food trains, babysitting, heating bills, health insurance premiums, automobile repair, ambulatory trips, therapeutic massage, transportation, salon services and wigs.

Award-winning journalist Katie Couric was the distinguished honoree at this year’s race. In addition to being a world-renowned journalist, Couric, a breast cancer survivor, has also shown a longstanding commitment to using her fame to raise cancer awareness and support various foundations that support that effort. She’s also a New York Times bestselling author, and co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer.

Couric’s advocacy has been recognized by the American Cancer Society for her pivotal role in raising cancer awareness. Her televised colonoscopy on the “Today” show in 2000 sparked a remarkable 20 percent surge in screening. She was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine screening in 2022, and her successful treatment underscored the importance of early detection.

In addition to her role as honoree, Couric also participated in the 5K.

“Coming together for positive action is invaluable,” Couric said in a statement. “Cancer research isn’t just a cause; it’s a personal mission of mine — a commitment to finding answers, saving lives, and offering hope to those facing the disease.”

The Beacon of Hope 5K, now in its third year, serves as a cornerstone fundraising event for both charities. Starting from the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse, the route winds through Camp Hero before culminating in a challenging ascent up Turtle Hill back to the lighthouse base. Designed to accommodate participants of varied abilities, the course offers both camaraderie and competitive spirit.

For more information, visit BeaconOfHope5k.org.