More than 2,000 in MacArthur 5k for LI vets

As a bagpipe band and more than 2,000 runners and walkers headed for the tarmac at Long Island MacArthur Airport early Saturday, the airport parking lot grew quiet, except for tinkling from a wall of dog tags shifting in the breeze.

The third annual MacArthur Airport 5k to benefit Long Island 9-1-1 Veterans, a nonprofit that provides financial support to local military vets, drew a record number of participants, including Islip Town Councilman John Cochrane Jr., recently retired from a 30-year career in the Navy and Navy Reserve.

In its first two years, organizers said the 5-kilometer race raised a total of $125,000 for 9-1-1 Veterans. And after last year's race, NBTY Helping Hands -- a nonprofit and race sponsor -- announced it would cover all of 9-1-1 Veterans' costs for three years, so more donations could go directly to vets.

At Saturday's opening ceremony, Long Island nonprofit Make It Count gave away a $10,000 home renovation for Vietnam War veteran Tom Pyatt, of Bay Shore, who served in the Navy. Founder Jon Reese said renovations will start in a few days to make Pyatt's home more "medically adaptive" for him and his wife, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"In 9/11, I lost 27 friends, and one was my best friend in the world," Reese said of why he started the charity, which helps vets and Long Islanders. "It sort of changed my life. I wanted to give back."

As they reached the home stretch of the race, runners passed under a two-story American flag, hoisted by Bohemia and West Islip fire department truck ladders. In a light morning drizzle, the top finisher set a record -- about 15 minutes, 30 seconds -- for the fast, flat course.

English teacher Tom McGrann, of Lake Grove, said he and a group of friends race each year because of the meaningful message. He said running on the airport tarmac is pretty cool, too.

"Especially during these times, it's important to remember all those people who did serve and . . . who are currently serving," McGrann said. "It's one of the best races on the Island."