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More than 600 runners and walkers at the 14th annual Ellen's Run raised more than $135,000 for breast cancer awareness and research. Photos by Brett Mauser

Southampton - Ellen's Run, a fixture in the East Hampton community each summer, had raised more than $2 million for breast cancer research and awareness since its inception in 1997. On Sunday, it changed venues for the first time in its history and fittingly the race ended a matter of yards from Southampton Hospital, where earlier this month the facility named after the race's honoree – the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center – opened up.

Hampton Bays' Angel Rojas registered a time of 17:28 to finish second in the maiden Ellen's Run held in Southampton.

Even with the excitement and spirit from 14th annual Ellen's Run, there was still a race to be run and, in Todd Raymond's case, won. The 25-year-old New York City resident was the first across the finish line outside Parrish Hall, completing the 3.1 mile jaunt in 17 minutes, 19 seconds. Hampton Bays' Angel Rojas, the 2007 Ellen's winner, took second again with a time of 17:28. Brendan Hannon of New York City was on his heels and finished third in 17:32. Nick Collazos, a junior at Southampton High, came across fourth in a time of 17:55, seconds ahead of fifth-place finisher Levi Wallace (17:58).

Southampton's Jason Hancock, who took fourth a year ago, finished sixth. Rounding out the top 10 were Southampton's Jim MacWhinnie (18:50), East Hampton's Mike Bahel (18:55), Water Mill's Doroteo Soledad (19:06) and then Paul Mackey Jr. of Garrison, NY (19:17).

Westhampton Beach's Laura Brown, a fixture on the East End race scene, took home top honors in the women's division with a time of 19:18, beating out Helen Millson (19:39) and last year's winner, Jessica van Binsbergen of East Hampton, who ran a 20:19. Brown's mark didn't break her personal best of 19 minutes flat in a 5K event, but considering the heat and humidity stated that she was pleased with the result.

Proceeds from the race as well as the benefit party on the eve of race day totaled more than $135,000 and will support the new breast center as well as other programs within the hospital. Ellen's Run also benefited Ellen's Well, a program that has provided psychological support for East End breast cancer survivors since 2000. Over 14 years of running and fundraising, Ellen's Run has dedicated more than $2 million in grants to breast cancer programs.

Despite the move from East Hampton to Southampton, Ellen's Run was able to recruit more than 1,000 participants and accumulate funds well over $100,000.

The race was moved from East Hampton to Southampton to coincide with the opening of the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Southampton Hospital. Tours of the breast center were available to participants and followers upon the race's conclusion. Race organizer Julie Ratner, Hermanson's sister, could not confirm at which site the 2010 edition of the race will be held but was excited that this year's celebration went off without a hitch.

"It's incredible," Ratner said.. "I didn't know how it would work out today because everything is new, but it exceeded any expectations. We're overwhelmed with the people, the camaraderie, the energy, the spirit, it's just stunning. We're thrilled."

Jeanmarie McCarthy of Westville, NJ, was the first breast cancer survivor to complete the race. McCarthy's cancer was diagnosed in November 2007. She said she's not completely in remission, indicating that she needed to go back in for a check-up this Wednesday because her numbers had gone up. Nevertheless, McCarthy was touched by the outpouring of support for the race and said the positive vibe was heartwarming.

"It's just spectacular," McCarthy said. "It inspires you just to see how positive it is. … I'm just going to continue to fight. My dad had cancer and he just passed away this May. What I learned from him is never to give up and that every day is a gift. Cancer really does make you appreciate everything."

Ellen's Run and the foundation were established in 1997 in honor of Ellen Hermanson, who lost her six-year battle with breast cancer on April 11, 1995. She was a member of the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship, helped found the Jewish Healing Center and was the first executive director of the Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert, a convention at which topics related the health and law issues dealt with by cancer patients. Hermanson was also responsible for editing the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's annual report in 1993.

Congressman Tim Bishop and WNBC news anchor Chuck Scarborough ushered in the festivities by speaking to the crowd of more than 600 participants. Bishop reflected on the growth of Ellen's Run from its inaugural run in 1997. "I ran in the first race and I think we had no more than 100 runners," Bishop said. "This is just wonderful to look out and see so many people here to support such an important cause."

After introductory words from Congressman Tim Bishop and news anchor Chuck Scarborough, those competing in the 14th annual Ellen's Run made their way north on Old Town Road in Southampton before ending up at the hospital.