RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): After months of planning, and weeks of heightened public anticipation, the Vaisakhi 5K Run 2015 took place at Forest Park in Woodhaven, NY last Sunday, April 26, 2015 with flying colors. Large crowds of participants donning their bright blue race t-shirts stormed the park, expressing their excitement and displaying an incredible solidarity. The Vaisakhi 5K-now in its second year-drew more than 600 participants from all backgrounds and levels of fitness. Runners came from far and wide to attend: Last year’s race was generally attended by people from across the tristate-area, but this year’s race has grown to include participants from as far away as Texas, Illinois, and the United Kingdom. Sunder Singh Bandeshah (BIB# 349), age 14, was the first finisher, timing 19:38.36. The first female finisher was 36-year-old Param Kaur Ghangas (BIB# 347), whose time was 21:59.60. Hearty congratulations to other finishers:

• Male: 2nd place, Inder Partap Singh Khangura (BIB# 415) – 19:47.69
• Male: 3rd place, Jaspal Singh (BIB# 56) -20:14.95
• Female: 2nd place, Sukhzinder Braich (BIB# 6) – 22:43.20
• Female: 3rd place, Sonya Kaur Chhabra (BIB# 116) – 25:11.02
• Oldest Male: Balwant Rai Singhal (BIB# 18) – Age 77
• Youngest Male: Dashmesh Singh (BIB# 361) – Age 12
• Oldest Female: Harbans Kaur (BIB# 68) – Age 84
• Youngest Female – Sukhpreet Kaur (BIB# 464) – Age 12

Twenty-three teams competed in the race, of which Team “Sikhs Pack” was placed first. All runners received Vaisakhi 5K’s blue race t-shirts, bags, and beautiful medals. Breakfast, tea, water, and more were provided. The race was presented by long-time marathoner Dr. Avtar Singh Tinna and India Association of Long Island President.

[quote_center]Glimpses of 5 K Sikh Run          [/quote_center]

Photos courtesy A.S. Nagpal Photography