South Huntington’s ‘Miles For Michael’ Sets a New Attendance Record

The 2nd Annual ‘Miles for Michael’ was recently held at Walt Whitman High School.  Sheila Buhse, conceived, organized, and directed the event. There were over 595 registered runners and walkers.

Originally named the Art and Sole 5K, the annual event was renamed for Walt Whitman 2012 graduate Michael Gallagher who passed away on June 18, 2014, after a valiant two-year battle with cancer. All proceeds from this annual event will benefit the arts, music, and dance programs for South Huntington students. This annual event also serves to galvanize the extended Gallagher family each year to gather and honor Michael’s tenacity, bravery, and spirit.

Officiated by Start to Finish Road Race Timers and Consultants, this sanctioned 5K run drew participants from the entire metro-new York area, and even as far away as Chicago and Virginia. New York road race expert commentator Mr. Terry Bisogno took to the microphone and gave runners and the South Huntington community a commentary that introduced each and every participant as they crossed the finish line.

The Whitman dancers performed at the end of the event, and their talent was on display for the whole community to enjoy. At the Kids Fun Run, parents cheered on their littlest runners as they circled the Whitman track and then made a grand exit through the official finish line. There were tents with baskets for raffle and nourishment for all of the participants and their fans.

Sheila Buhse stated, “thank you all for helping make this past weekend’s celebration and remembrance of Michael Gallagher a huge success.  We surpassed the goals that even I had in mind.  The weather was perfect, and the participants were all extremely happy to be involved. Thanks again for all your team spirit!”

By Steve  Bartholomew

Below: The Gallagher Family

Below:  The top female runner was Walt Whitman alumna Kelley Rauseo who clocked in with a brisk time of 21:17.98. Setting a new course record and the fastest runner on the day was Aaron Robertson who finished in 17:14:76.

Below: South Huntington Superintendent Dr. Dave Bennardo