Hauppauge Band Plays NYC Half Marathon

Runners taking to the streets of New York City on Sunday were entertained by a Hauppauge Band, The Mondays.

The band, lead by lead singer and Hauppauge resident Ken Carmen, performed live at New York City's Half Marathon on Sunday, playing hits from their album "Storyteller" and offering words of encouragement to runners treking the 13-mile route. 

Carmen said Sunday marked  The Mondays's fifth performance at the half marathon, but this year's weather as particularly brutal with temperatures plunging from the 70s on Saturday to low 30s Sunday morning. 

"To do an over two-hour set in that kind of weather, we've never had to do it before. It was rough," he said.

The band set up at the intersection of West 40th St. and 12th Avenue, near the 10-mile marker of the race. Iconic symbols of New York City flanked the band's impromptu stage, Carmen said, with the Javits Center on one side and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on the other. 

New York City's Half Marathon has created a specialty banner for The Mondays since the band has played the race for five yars. It's become a gathering point for local fans. 

"It was great, especially with runners coming up to high-five you and say thank you," Carmen said. 

The Mondays are also scheduled to perform at the New York City Marathon later this year.