Over 700 runners took off down Beltagh Avenue, traversing the streets of Wantagh for the inaugural Wantagh Warrior 9/11 Memorial 5K on Sept. 22.
Money raised from the event will go towards a memorial commemorating the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as for an annual field trip for Wantagh High School students to the 9/11 Memorial Museum in Manhattan.
The district partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Wantagh 6-12 Association, and about 20 additional sponsors to bring the event to fruition. RaceAwesome produced the 3.1-mile race, which ended on the high school’s track.
Principal Paul Guzzone highlighted the district’s partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, which began in April 2023 when 20 Wantagh students accompanied veterans to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. That summer, the foundation sponsored a trip for Wantagh students to go to the 9/11 museum.
From that second trip, two ideas were born – ensuring that all Wantagh High School students can visit the 9/11 museum with cost being an obstacle and creating a memorial on school grounds.
Thomas Gibbs of the Gary Sinise Foundation presented the district with a $15,000 gift toward the memorial. The organization was the Gold Star sponsor of the 5K.
Wantagh High School junior Ian Frazer was running the final stretch of course behind the high school and was the first to cross the finish line at 15:38. Julie Vudola finished as the top female runner at 22:56.
Students from the high school’s Physical Education Leaders club volunteered their time throughout the day, from cheering on youngsters in the fun run to handing out water to race participants.
