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DEBORAH A. MILES Out of 6,800 runners, PEF member Laura Gluf was the female winner in the 2007 Marcum and Kliegman Workplace Corporate Challenge held in late July at Jones Beach State Park.
The 41 year-old program manager at Long Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office was elated to come in first, a feat her twin sister accomplished for a similar race six years ago.
“I wasn’t able to compete in the past because of my job, but this year I was able to join the PEF team, and that was so exciting,” she said.
Gluf finished first with a time of 23:07 for the 3.5 mile run.
“This win was very emotional. I am so, so happy,” Gluf said. “At my age, I didn’t think I could win with nearly 7,000 people competing. I was really shocked when I crossed the finish line.”
But when you consider Gluf’s been competing since age 12, was an All American in high school, ran on a full scholarship at Western Kentucky University, and now works as a personal trainer and gives body toning classes, her win just seems natural.
“Any chance I get, I run, bike or swim. I’m very dedicated and focused. It’s also a big stress relief for me,” she said. “My passion for fitness and winning is a gift from God, plus I enjoy the camaraderie and competition.”
Gluf plans to keep running competitively and said she is still winning money as a Master’s runner. Mostly, her biggest win is staying fit.