For Port Washington resident Allison Roditi, crossing the starting line at the CBIZ Corporate Run at Jones Beach was about much more than completing a race. It was a celebration of recovery and a major personal milestone.

Just three years ago, Roditi faced the fight of her life after being diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer. Now, two years cancer-free, Roditi is reclaiming an activity she once feared cancer had taken from her - running.

“I feel really good, I feel strong and just ready to get out there and run,” Roditi said before the race.

The Port Washington mother joined her co-workers and caretakers from Catholic Health in the annual 5K event, which raises money for Long Island charities. For Roditi, the race also marked her first 5K since completing treatment and regaining her strength.

“Figuring out how to cope when I had cancer and I couldn't run because of the chemotherapy, was really hard for me,” she said.

More than 5,000 participants took part in the corporate run and walk, including teams from companies across the region. Among them was Alan Petrilli, of JPMorgan Chase, who said stories like Roditi’s are a testament to the human spirit and why they participate in community-wide events.

“It touches all of us, and we're happy to be a part of it,” Petrilli said.

For Roditi, returning to the sport she loves represents far more than physical recovery.

“I get so much energy just from being at races and doing this kind of thing,” she said. “It really helps me feel like I'm living my fullest life.”