WABC Father's Day Fight Against Prostate Cancer - Event Gallery

The 2008 WABC Father’s Day Fight Against Prostate Cancer was a fun-filled Central Park event for the whole family.

A five-mile race for runners of all ages was followed by kids races for the 2-12 age bracket.

The coed race had more than 5,500 finishers, including Catherine Palmese of Valley Stream. Go, Mom!

Heidi Jones of WABC Channel 7 interviewed runners before the race, then jumped in and ran herself; she finished in 35:02.

Despite warm and oppressively humid conditions, the runners moved quickly off the starting line.

The event raised money and awareness in the fight against prostate cancer, a treatable disease.

Spectators lined the roadways to cheer on runners at all levels.

As in most NYRR races, participants wore color-coded bibs and lined up by pace to reduce congestion.

Some of the most enthusiastic fans lined the barricades just before the finish, by Tavern on the Green.

Sharon Spitzer, 34, of Manhattan, and Stanley Spitzer, 62, of Flushing (we think it’s safe to assume they’re daughter and dad), strode toward the finish line.

Local standout Demesse Tefera broke the tape in 23:39, with Worku Beyi, the 2007 champion, just behind.

Kerin Hempel took the women’s crown in 29:58, an excellent time in the sweltering conditions.

Sprays of water provided an ahhhhh! moment in the post-finish area.

Runners could show their support for dads and other loved ones battling cancer.

Ken Winfield of Jersey City relaxes with his young (and very cute) son after his 34:36 finish.

This youngster wasn’t too tired to enjoy the face-painting after his race.

Hundreds of children took part in the kids races, which were staged by age and gender.

Though the competition could be fierce, every finisher received a ribbon.

A raffle featuring awesome prizes was a popular post-race feature.

Thumbs-up for prostate cancer survivors, who were honored at the awards ceremony.