20th Annual 5K To Benefit Greenport Fire Department Unfolds Saturday

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NORTH FORK, NY — A well-loved annual event will mark its 20th year this season as Peconic Landing hosts the annual John May Mile and 5K Race to benefit the Greenport Fire Department.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 9. More than 100 are already registered to run or walk.

Speakers will include several local and state officials including New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski, Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski, and Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Stuessi.

The family-friendly event features a barbecue lunch, raffles, and more. The John May Mile and 5K fundraiser is open to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness abilities, offering both a relaxed mile-long walk and a more challenging 3.1-mile run, organizers said.

Registration and stretching begin at 7:30 a.m. at Brecknock Hall with the race and walk to start at 9 a.m. Runners and walkers can register here.

"Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the John May Mile and 5K is incredibly meaningful for all of us at Peconic Landing," said Robert J. Syron, president and CEO of the not-for-profit life plan community. "For two decades, this event has brought the community together in support of the Greenport Fire Department and the dedicated volunteers who show up every day to protect and serve the North Fork. Now more than ever, we must continue to rally behind them to ensure they have the resources they need to respond when it matters most."

Since inception in 2005, the annual John May Mile and 5K has raised more than $400,570 to support the local first responders. The most recent event in 2025 contributed a total of $28,570, helping to purchase and maintain rescue equipment vital to keeping fire department volunteers safe during response efforts, organizers said.

"The strength of the Greenport Fire Department is, as ever, its people — volunteers who show up, stay focused on the mission, and stand unified in service,”" said Greenport Fire Department Chief Albie de Kerillis. "Many grew up here, others chose to call this place home, but everyone works together with a shared purpose that feels like it’s been built over a lifetime. This donation directly supports these members by helping fund the training and equipment that keeps us ready to respond when the community calls."

Following the race, an awards ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the back lawn of Brecknock Hall.

As part of that ceremony, Peconic Landing will present The Older Americans Champion Award to Paul Romanelli of Cutchogue.

The annual award honors local individuals or organizations for their years of service and continued dedication to older Americans, acknowledging the contributions they make to improve the lives of older adults on the East End of Long Island, organizers said.

Romanelli, president of Suffolk Security Systems since 1999, will be honored for his 10 years of service on the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

In 2020, Romanelli helped the hospital coordinate with the community to raise more than $450,000 to cover the costs of protective gear during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers said.

In addition to his tenure as an ELIH Foundation board member, he has also served on the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and has contributed to many local philanthropic efforts.

"Those who are fortunate to know Paul understand that he is always putting the community first," said Syron. "His decade of service on the ELIH Foundation Board reflects a genuine commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for older adults and families across the North Fork. Through his dedication, Paul has helped strengthen vital resources that support not only older residents, but the greater community as a whole. We are proud to honor him as this year’s Older Americans Champion for his exceptional service and impact."

To register as a runner or vendor, click here. Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating a raffle prize are asked to contact DRadigan@peconiclanding.org. All proceeds benefit the Greenport Fire Department.