As the All-Stars come to Queens, fans run through Brooklyn

Saturday's All-Star Game 5K and Fun Run helped raise significant funds for Sandy Relief -- but beyond even that worthy cause, the race seemed to be about bringing together a community of sports fans, runners, New Yorkers and athletes from all walks of life.

The top two finishers of the race -- Thomas Young and Jerry Faulkner -- congratulated each other and shook hands after completing the 3.1 mile long course in a little over 15 minutes. Young, a Connceticut native, is also a baseball fan -- but don't expect him to take sides in the New York-Boston rivalry:

"I'm right in the middle," he said with full breath -- even after winning the race.

Another runner and baseball fan, sporting a Mariano Rivera jersey and a Boston Strong cap, made the wardrobe choice to show support for a friend who ran in this year's Boston Marathon. He said he believes that "running is a very peaceful sport," and amid the relaxing setting of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, that sense of serenity was palpable and overflowing.

 As more and more runners crossed the finish line, the festive atmosphere grew even livelier. Runners were hugging families, posing for pictures and patting each other on the back while Top-40 hits boomed over the loudspeaker and race volunteers danced and cheered.

Ultimately, that community of athletes -- hundreds of whom proudly displayed the Boston Strong message as they ran -- kicked off the MLB All-Star festivities with both a fitting tribute to the devastation of months past and a celebration of athletic achievement in the present and future.

-- Dakota Gardner / MLB.com