20th Annual John May Mile, 5K Race Benefits Greenport Fire Department, Honors Paul Romanelli

The family-friendly event features a barbecue lunch, raffles, and more to support local first responders.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:41am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a firefighter's helmet repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the important work of the Greenport Fire Department.The 20th annual John May Mile and 5K race celebrates the Greenport Fire Department's vital role in the North Fork community.Peconic Today

The 20th annual John May Mile and 5K Race will take place on May 9 at Peconic Landing in Greenport, New York. The event has raised over $400,570 for the Greenport Fire Department since its inception in 2005, with the most recent event in 2025 contributing $28,570 to purchase and maintain rescue equipment. As part of the event, Peconic Landing will present the Older Americans Champion Award to Paul Romanelli of Cutchogue for his 10 years of service on the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

Why it matters

The John May Mile and 5K Race is a well-loved annual event that brings the community together to support the Greenport Fire Department and its dedicated volunteers. The funds raised over the past 20 years have been crucial in providing the fire department with the resources and equipment needed to respond effectively to emergencies and protect the North Fork community.

The details

The family-friendly event features a barbecue lunch, raffles, and both a relaxed mile-long walk and a more challenging 3.1-mile run. Registration and stretching begin at 7:30 a.m. at Brecknock Hall, with the race and walk starting at 9 a.m. Following the race, an awards ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the back lawn of Brecknock Hall, where Peconic Landing will present the Older Americans Champion Award to Paul Romanelli.

  • The 20th annual John May Mile and 5K Race will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
  • The most recent event in 2025 contributed a total of $28,570 to the Greenport Fire Department.

The players

Peconic Landing

A not-for-profit life plan community that has hosted the John May Mile and 5K Race for the past 20 years.

Greenport Fire Department

The local fire department that has received over $400,570 in funding from the annual event since its inception in 2005.

Paul Romanelli

The president of Suffolk Security Systems since 1999 who will be honored with the Older Americans Champion Award for his 10 years of service on the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

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What they’re saying

“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the John May Mile and 5K is incredibly meaningful for all of us at Peconic Landing. For two decades, this event has brought the community together in support of the Greenport Fire Department and the dedicated volunteers who show up every day to protect and serve the North Fork. Now more than ever, we must continue to rally behind them to ensure they have the resources they need to respond when it matters most.”

— Robert J. Syron, President and CEO of Peconic Landing

“The strength of the Greenport Fire Department is, as ever, its people — volunteers who show up, stay focused on the mission, and stand unified in service. Many grew up here, others chose to call this place home, but everyone works together with a shared purpose that feels like it's been built over a lifetime. This donation directly supports these members by helping fund the training and equipment that keeps us ready to respond when the community calls.”

— Albie de Kerillis, Greenport Fire Department Chief

“Those who are fortunate to know Paul understand that he is always putting the community first. His decade of service on the ELIH Foundation Board reflects a genuine commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for older adults and families across the North Fork. Through his dedication, Paul has helped strengthen vital resources that support not only older residents, but the greater community as a whole. We are proud to honor him as this year's Older Americans Champion for his exceptional service and impact.”

— Robert J. Syron, President and CEO of Peconic Landing

What’s next

Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating a raffle prize are asked to contact DRadigan@peconiclanding.org.

The takeaway

The John May Mile and 5K Race has become a cherished annual tradition that brings the North Fork community together to support the Greenport Fire Department and honor local leaders like Paul Romanelli who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of older adults in the region.