Smithtown residents came out in record numbers to the fifth annual Running of the Bull 5k, sponsored by the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations, to honor Courtney Sipes, the 11-year-old Smithtown girl killed in a tragic accident on Route 25 in November.

"If you start getting tired, just remember one thing – we're running for Courtney today. So I want everyone to put their best foot forward," co-chair Mark Mancini said to runners at the starting line.

More than 400 registered runners took to Smithtown's street at the 9 a.m. The race sent runners south down Juniper Avenue, turning right on Cygent Drive before the long homestretch on New Mill Road to the finish line at New York Avenue School. The route measures 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles.

Experienced athletes spoke highly of the course.

"I'm running the bull because I've run it every year since it started, and I want to continue," said Pamela Schmidlin of Smithtown. "It's as nice, easy flat course."

First time runner Kathy Capo, new to running street races, agreed with Schmidlin's assessment.

"It was a nice flat run. It was very science going through the neighborhood, and it was nice to see everyone come out to cheer us on," Capo said.

"My favorite part of the race is the camaraderie of the community atmosphere," echoed Kathi Lettenberger of St. James.

Many runners wore symbolic yellow bandanas tied around their heads, upper arms and wrists as members of Pines Elementary School, Hauppauge students and alumni to show their support for the Courtney Sipes Foundation.

"Today is a very special day for the entire school community. Her loss has brought much sadness and much unity," said Pines Elementary School Principal Michele Rothfeld. "Courtney was very talented in the arts and music. She was a beautiful young girl."

Tracy Sipes, Courtney's dad, and her former Pines Elementary school teacher Wayne Wellinger stood together as they watched the race begin. The race's proceeds will benefit the Courtney Sipes Memorial Foundation that aims to provide scholarships and opportunities for children looking to pursue interests in the arts and music, and Hauppauge-based Angela's house, a non-profit that helps aid medically frail children obtain needed care and services.

"She would have been very excited to see everyone come out. She loved helping people," Tracy said. He explained Courtney's nickname 'Sunshine' was the reason for choosing the yellow bandannas that the runners were wearing.

Mark Valentino, 17, of Smithtown finished first in a time of 17 minutes 5 seconds and took the men's division. Mount Sinai resident Katie Radzik, 23, won the woman's division in 18:42. Team Lark consisting of Michael Robles, Lisa Bonanni, Michael Bonanni and Paul Bonanni won the first ever team competition.