With the Atlantic Ocean and Fire Island’s white sand beaches as a breathtaking backdrop, more than 500 runners laced up for the 24th Annual Smith Point Bridge 5K Run for Literacy on Saturday. Sponsored by the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, the event combined athletic achievement with a commitment to education, raising funds for literacy initiatives that will ripple throughout the community.
This year’s race drew 527 finishers, a record turnout in the event’s two-decade history. The field was a mix of seasoned competitors, student athletes, families, and local residents running in memory of loved ones or supporting the literacy mission.
“This is more than a race—it’s a celebration of community, of our natural beauty here at Smith Point, and of the power of education,” said Race Coordinator Lindsay Davis, head of the library’s Literacy Department. “Our motto is simple: Education empowers individuals, families, and communities. Every step our runners take today helps build a stronger future.”
Proceeds from the event benefit three key initiatives: the Family Literacy Project at the Community Library, the Reach Out and Read program at Sun River Health Center, and the William Floyd High School Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund provides critical financial assistance to college-bound students, while Reach Out and Read places new books in the hands of young children during pediatric visits, helping parents build early literacy skills at home.
Julia Mastrup of Shirley led the women’s field with a time of 21:57, running as part of the William Floyd United Teachers team. The men’s division was dominated by Vidal Macchia, also of Shirley, who crossed the line in 16:22. The Macchia family has become something of a dynasty at Smith Point, with Vidal’s sister, Zariel, having won the race in recent years before heading off to compete at Brigham Young University as one of the top female athletes Suffolk has ever produced.
“This race is about community pride and perseverance,” Davis said. “Seeing the Macchias carry that torch as both student-athletes and leaders has been inspiring.”
Next year’s race will carry added significance, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the nation’s 250th birthday. Organizers say they plan to honor both milestones while continuing to expand the event’s impact.
Fifty-seven local sponsors, including Flushing Bank, New York State United Teachers, Searles Graphics, Sunrise Wind, and the Haugland Group, powered the event.
“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, our volunteers, and the countless friends and families who come back year after year,” said Davis. “This race is only possible because of them.”
Four students from William Floyd High School sang the National Anthem to kick off the Opening Ceremony: Janelly Bednarek, Kiya Cuevas, Kat Fantini, and Shirley Galindo Jeronimo. Performax Physical Therapy and Wellness offered a post-race "Stretch Station" and the Suffolk County Radio Club provided communication assistance along the race course.
About 30 runners from Rolling Thunder Special Needs Team under coach Steve Cuomo also participated, as did the William Floyd Girls and Boys track teams and Islip School District track team. Teen volunteers from Colonial Youth and Family Services helped give out water to runners at the Mile 2 Water Table, Davis noted.
Organizers also credited the Mastic Beach Fire Department and Ambulance Company, as well as the Suffolk Police 7th Precinct and Park Rangers, for keeping participants safe along the course.
Among the cheering crowd at the finish line were Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Legislator Jim Mazzarella, both longtime supporters of the race.
“Events like this remind us what makes Suffolk County strong—our commitment to family, education, and community,” Romaine said. “The Smith Point Bridge Run is a highlight of the year, and the funds raised make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Mazzarella, whose district includes the Smith Point area, praised the library’s leadership. “This run is about more than fitness. It’s about investing in our children, supporting our teachers, and making sure literacy thrives in every household,” he said. “The record turnout today shows just how deeply our residents care.”