By Kyanna Wiggins
BALDWIN – For four years, runners and walkers from the Baldwin community and across Long Island have gathered to honor the memory of Tyler McKenzie, also known as “T-Mac,” for a 5K – most recently on April 18. On that sunny Saturday, a sea of orange and blue shirts that read “T-Mac’s Run” crowded behind a towering inflatable arch. Then the runners were off, the sound of their shoes hitting the pavement as they crossed the start line.
Shortly after McKenzie’s death in 2022 from translocation renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), the 5K run and walk was created as a way to channel grief into something active and community-driven. Since then, organizers have used the event to expand in both participation and purpose. Thus, the Tyler McKenzie Foundation was created to support related causes to help fund kidney cancer research.
“I have known Tyler since he was 8 years old,” said Paula Magnus, a resident of Freeport and close family friend. “He was 28. This was a man who was into basketball and running. This is something you would not expect.”
To his friends and family, the event is more than a race. It is a living tribute to show those who may not have known McKenzie the impact that he left behind. Friends describe him as someone who captivated a room, bringing a magnetic energy and loyalty to those around him. Loved ones described him as an advocate for young people living with a cancer diagnosis and deeply rooted in his community.
“Tyler was passionate about living life to the fullest,” said Zea McKenzie, mother of Tyler. “He loved his community. Right now, he is shining down saying, ‘Job well done.’”
Registration tables surrounded the field, with volunteers, as music blasted from both sides. Participants pinned race numbers to their shirts as they prepared for a stretch before the run. Many shared personal stories about McKenzie’s life, exchanging memories that broadcast his joy and energy.
“Tyler was a force of nature,” said Racquel Oden, former Baldwin resident and McKenzie’s Jack and Jill family. “This is our way of continuing to show tribute to who he was and is in our hearts.”
Participants of all ages gathered at the starting line, waiting for the sound of the bullhorn. Parents ran alongside their children, while friend groups attempted to outpace one another. Faces ranged from determined to cheerful and energized as certain runners surged ahead with a steady rhythm. On the sidelines, small crowds of children cheered on participants with signs written with encouragement. Runners and walkers proceeded down the mile-long bike path between the soccer field and wooded area, around the baseball field, up the tennis court and past the basketball courts.
“This is my first time completing a 5K in under 30 minutes,” said Travis David, McKenzie’s Phi Beta Sigma Inc., a historically African American Greek-letter fraternity, line brother at Syracuse University. “But I was motivated because everyone here gives the energy that we can accomplish it and in the spirit of Tyler.”
The competitive spirit remained strong throughout the course of the 5K. Wearing bib number 277 and the title of first overall male finisher was Baldwin resident Jonathan Kay, who maintained a steady pace, finishing in 20 minutes and 15 seconds. Soon following was West Islip resident Sarah Dikranis, the first overall female finisher at 26 minutes and five seconds.
But this run was more than an athletic competition; it was an opportunity to educate the public about kidney cancer and the purpose of the Tyler McKenzie Foundation. Many attendees also emphasized the importance of community-driven events in helping family and friends heal through togetherness.
“There are young people being educated about health and the importance of it,” said Magnus. “Even as young as you may be, and you may think things are not going on, they know to follow up on that.”
At the finish line, participants collected their medals and water from volunteers, smiling ear to ear, reflecting on what they had accomplished. Many posed for the cameras with their medals, striking the famous “medal bite.” Others rushed to vendors, who were handing out post-race refreshments.
“It’s a blessing spiritually, emotionally and physically. And the attention to detail is amazing,” said Donna Rosen, resident of Jericho and participant. “I don’t know any other race that puts flowers on their display tables. The food is amazing, and everyone is smiling and cheering. It’s a testament to Tyler and the community.”
As the crowd lingered after the race, participants headed toward the field, prepared for the award ceremony and closing remarks. There stood an enlarged picture of McKenzie covered in ski gear, holding two poles. His mother began the ceremony by thanking everyone for taking part and keeping Tyler’s memory alive.
“Oh man, we don’t have all day,” said Matthew Fraser, line brother from Phi Beta Sigma Inc. at Syracuse University, reflecting on what McKenzie was like. “He was bigger than life.”
By the end of the event, one message remained clear: Tyler “T-Mac” McKenzie’s influence did not end with his death. With every runner crossing the finish line, every walker sharing memories and every supporter cheering from the sidelines, his legacy continues to inspire others to move forward together.
