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Runners and Walkers Take over Central Park for Colon Cancer Challenge

By DNAinfo Staff on March 29, 2010 9:35am  | Updated on March 29, 2010 1:42pm

(R-L) Sheila Casey, Sarah Schillaci and Margie Buller were the top three women finishers.
(R-L) Sheila Casey, Sarah Schillaci and Margie Buller were the top three women finishers.
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DNAinfo/ Josh Williams

By Josh Williams

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

CENTRAL PARK — Runners teamed up with NYRR and the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation to raise funds and awareness on Sunday through three different fitness events — a 1.7 mile walk, a 4 Mile run and 15 kilometer race.

More than 6,000 runners and walkers participated.

Antonino Liuzzo took out the men's honors in the 15 kilometer race with a time of 49:51. Sheila Casey won the women's race with a time of 57:28.

It was a good race, the weather was perfect,” said Casey, 40.

She said her strategy was to run a comfortable first half and then pick up the pace.

Paul Flanagan, a 30-year-old finance worker who moved to Midtown from Ireland, finished ahead of his wife and was waiting for her at the finish line.

“I didn’t get into running until I moved to the city and wanted to try something different,” said Flanagan, who had a time of 1:00:04 and placed 27th.

“People are more into fitness here.”

Doctor Thomas Weber, founder and president of the Colon Cancer Challenge handed out awards and cheered on participants.

“Many people don’t know that colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and curable. This is a great way to raise awareness.”