Ethiopia Takes Home Two Wins In 30th Running Of Shelter Island 10K

Shelter Island - Although the forecast threatened to rain on the annual celebration of Shelter Island - the Shelter Island 10K and 5K Run/Walk - devoted participants ferried in for the early evening start nevertheless. Conveniently, the more than 1,500 runners and walkers couldn't stay away yet the rains that have drenched the northeast in the month of June magically did.


Ketema Nigusse hits the finish line in just over 29 minutes to take home first prize in the Shelter Island 10K.

With the cool but dry conditions - ideal running weather by most accounts - came quick times. Nobody was faster than Ethiopian Ketema Nigusse, who broke away from a pack consisting largely of his countrymen and rolled to his first victory at Shelter Island, posting a time of 29:23, 13 seconds faster than his nearest competitor. Nigusse's charge led a parade of nearly 1,000 runners who got the quick tour of the island and crossed the finish line to much fanfare. The same could be said for another Ethiopian, Buzunesh Deba, who took home top prize in the women's division (33:52).

Race Director Mary Ellen Adipietro, who rescued the 10K five years ago, said the enrollment will only grow with their new partnership with the New York Road Runners Club. She indicated they'd like to eventually bring in 2,500 racers for the weekend, only adding to the funds they can distribute to charity organizations including the Timothy Hill Children's Ranch, East End Hospice and Shelter Island community charities.

“I'm just proud that the numbers are back up and so is the spirit," Adipietro said. “We're so happy to have the New York Road Runners now. Everything is about the run and running. It makes the race so special now."

Read full story: http://www.hamptons.com/news/sports/7951/ethiopia-takes-home-two-wins-in-30th-running-of.html