Beautiful views, historic locations and a new race course for the 11th Annual Ossining MATTERS 5K Run/2 Mile Walk

The 11th Annual Ossining MATTERS 5K Run/2 Mile Walk celebrated Ossining’s historic past, its vibrant present and future opportunities for programs for our students. Over 500 runners and walkers registered to participate, ranging in ages from 6 to over 70. Congratulations to the first place finishers, Luis Francisco, with a time of 17 minutes and 24 seconds and Tara Entwistle, who completed her run in 23 minutes and 33 seconds. 

The views of the Hudson River were spectacular and the course was challenging, but runners and walkers persevered to raise funds for Ossining MATTERS Education Foundation.  In addition to enjoying the vistas of the waterfront, Ossining landmarks and points of interest were present all along the course as participants began the run/walk at the waterfront in front of Sing Sing Prison.  While enjoying spectacular views of the Hudson River, runners and walkers proceeded past the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club and the historic Brandreth Pill Factory.  Runners traversed picturesque wooded trails, while being introduced to the Edward M. Wheeler Crawbuckie Nature Preserve, a beautiful nature preserve accessible between Beach Road and North Water Street.  Comments heard along the course included, “I never knew this was in Ossining!” 

Upon completion of the course, participants celebrated at the awards ceremony and enjoyed the Ossining Bicentennial Harborfest activities.   Ossining teachers from the OTA were on hand to greet the runners with plentiful refreshments while the youngest runners and walkers were treated to an entertaining children’s festival which included face painting and games.

Volunteers are integral to the success of the Ossining MATTERS 5K Run/2 Mile Walk. Large numbers of community members from the Ossining Teachers’ Association, members of the Board of Education, OUFSD administrators, OVAC, the Ossining Police Department, Village officials, and the Parks and Recreation Department all participated.  We thank our business and corporate sponsors, including d&b, BASF, Metallized Carbon Corporation, LizzFitness, Mark Seiden Real Estate Team, Open Door Family Medical Centers, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, Rotary Club, The Gazette, Allan Block Insurance Agency, Anthony L. Fiorito, Inc., Emigrant Bank, Hudson Landscape Contractors, Keenan House Kitchen & Tap Room, TD Bank, Lanier Law Firm, Shine Salon, and Kiki’s Nation. 

Proceeds raised from this event will benefit enriching programs in the Ossining School district.  Examples of the grants for this current school year included programs such as an anti-bullying program, a technology camp this past summer, gardening programs and technology applications for increasing literacy using new devices such as Google Chromebooks, iPads, and Kindles.

“The 11th Annual 5K Run was a great kickoff to our second decade of providing enriching and important programs to all students in the Ossining district,” said Ossining MATTERS Board President Margie DeAngelis.   “We are so appreciative of the support of our participants, our volunteers and our sponsors who contribute to this important community event,” stated event Co-Chairs, Martha Klein, Kim Case and Sharon Edmonds.

Thank you to everyone who participated and was part of the success of the 11th Annual Ossining MATTERS 5K Run/2 Mile Walk.