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RICHMOND ROCKETS NEWS UPDATES

      2021

   Richmond Rockets Scholarship Award Presented to High School Seniors of 

       Cross Country or Track & Field Team

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Congratulations to Athletes and our Scholarship Winners: Karen Choi from MSIT and

Katie Nigro from Tottenville HS.

On Tuesday May 4th the Richmond Rockets Presented our 2021 Richmond Rockets Scholarship Award Presented to High School Seniors of Cross Country or Track & Field Team. 🏃🏃🏃🏃😇

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Athletes Karen Choi from MSIT and

Katie Nigro from Tottenville HS received awards, Richmond Rocket t-shirts, and a monetary scholarship award going to their College of choice. We wish the best of Luck Success and Happiness on their college careers and cannot wait to see them grow on their Academic and Sports journey.

Thank you to all the Rockin' Rocket members who helped make this event a success! We had such a blast with the Scholarship Winner families in this fun social backyard event. Go Rockets! 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

If you would like your Children or Students in High School to participate in yearly Athletic Scholarship awards, please send an email to for more information.

(From left to right, Student Karen Nigro from Tottenville HS, Richmond Rocket member Patricia Mulligan, and Student Karen Choi from MSIT HS)

Photos of our Scholarship winners, their families, and Richmond Rocket team members taken in our Richmond Rockets Backyard Award event, courtesy of Rocket members Teresa and Ashley. Thank you T&A for accommodating us, we appreciate it!

2020

Richmond Rockets Member Dr. Francesco Rotatori Helps Save COVID-19 Patient's Life

Update: Due to his recent staff leadership and front-line assistance with COVID-19 affected patients, Richmond Rockets team member and hospital hero Dr. Francesco Rotatori recently received a promotion at Richmond University hospital in Staten Island - his new role at RUMC is Chief of Cardiology. Congratulations Dr. Rotatori for everything you have done for the community and patients!

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https://www.silive.com/news/2020/05/doctor-who-has-been-part-of-coronavirus-response-at-rumc-is-named-new-chief-of-cardiology.html

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Dr. Francesco Rotatori is not only a Richmond Rockets team member, but he is an Interventional Cardiologist at Richmond University hospital here in Staten Island. Dr. Rotatori was recently featured on ABC News Nightline Television during the crisis, as he and his amazing staff members rescued a COVID-19 female patient, who improved dramatically at The Richmond University Hospital. The patient, Edwina Cain, faced breathing problems and recovered in 3 days on a ventilator, improving quickly. At her time at the hospital, she expressed her gratitude and thanks to Dr. Rotatori and staff to with a dance and cheer. Dr. Roratori and his team also inspired Edwina to begin her medical studies in pursuit to become a hero and work in a hospital. Congratulations to her survival and fight against COVID-19, and thank you to all the doctors and nurses that risk their lives each and every day, including Dr. Francesco Rotatori and his miracle staff!

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Watch the miraculous and inspiring story of recovery and healing here: https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/covid-19-patient-reunites-doctor-helped-save-life-70300305

IMPORTANT NEWS: Corona Virus Covid-19 Outbreak Safety Tips

Hi friends! Please keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following the safety protocols in this link here - provided by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the leading national public health institute of the United States): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

We wish our best to our running community: In light of the recent news around COVID-19, PPTC would like to remind all members that the most successful runner is a healthy runner. Please use your best judgment when deciding to join groups runs and activities over the next few weeks.

- If you don't feel well, or suspect you've been in contact with someone who may have contracted the virus, please stay home and take care of yourself.

- Be diligent about washing your hands. If you cough, sneeze, or need to wipe your nose, avoid using your hands.

- If you have any respiratory or autoimmune issues, please consult your doctor.

Thank you for helping keep our community healthy!

Monthly meetings held every 1st Monday of the month at:
"Jody's" 372 Forest Ave at 7:00pm, or Zoom Online Conferences

The Team

Lisa Lubarsky - President

Tony LaRocca - Vice President  

John Dixon - Secretary 

Nancy Wagner-Wetzel - Treasurer 

Trish Mulligan - Female Captain

Mike Leathers - Male Captain

Fleur de lis Bell - Web Master

Our Media Gallery

Photos from parties, meetings and races

Feel free to send us photos from Richmond Rocket events to post up!

Upcoming Races & Events

Weekly Fun / Open Runs:

(Runs are subject to change due to conflicting races, weather...etc.)

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Our Richmond Rockets Fun Runs are ON HOLD, they will resume once we get more participants. Interested in having a Richmond Rockets running buddy? Send an email to teamrichmondrockets@gmail.com.

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Donate Your Old Sneakers to Feed Families - South Brooklyn Mutual Aid

The Richmond Rockets will be participating in the My Sneaker Drive Fundraiser to help feed families in NYC. By donating a pair of old sneakers that are in good non-ripped condition, you give $1 to the organization in aid to send care packages for those in need.

If interested in participating, please view the drop-off locations below. They will be much appreciated! Also, if you would like to make a cash donation - please send a Venmo payment to @SouthBkMutualAid.

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April 2021 Race Calendar

April road running calendar: Races coming back, but not full throttle yet!

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By Staten Island Advance Sports Desk and By George Kochman/Special to the Advance

Live racing is slowly returning to the New York met area. Many races now offer virtual options. Race directors are taking precautions, with many of the live races now featuring wave starts. Continue to check with race directors concerning possible cancellations.

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APRIL 2021 RACE CALENDAR

April road running calendar: Live racing begins to come back, but check before you go.

The Wolfe's Run 10K is currently on the local schedule in April, but competitors are asked to check the race website before heading out. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

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APRIL RACE CALENDAR

3 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, for race info: panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

3 – NYCRUNS Queens 5K (also virtual option), 7 a.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, theteam@nycruns.com.

3 – Paumanok Pursuit 70K Run and relay, 7 a.m., Rocky Point, N.Y., www.jayaasports.com.

3 – Lucky Paws 5K (virtual option), 10 a.m., Williamstown, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

3 – Essex County Virtual Cherry Blossom 10K, Branch Brook Park, Newark, N.J., jmatthews@parks.essexcountynj.org.

3 – 3rd annual Valor Supplements Police and Fire 5K, 9 a.m., Seaside Park, N.J., 732-569-0397.

4 – Citytri Runs Race Again at Verrazano, 10K- 8 a.m., 5K- 8:30 a.m., half-marathon- 9 a.m., American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn, www.citytri.com.

10 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

10 – 11th Institute Woods 6K, 10 a.m., Princeton, N.J., www.princetonac.org.

10 – Shore 2Shore trail 50K- 8 a.m., 25K- 9 a.m., East Islip, N.Y., www.shore2shorerace.com.

10 – Coffee Run 5K, 8:30 a.m., West Deptford, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

10 – Crash Running Festival, 5K- 8:30 a.m., 10K- 9:15 a.m., Allentown, N.J., www.crashrunning.com.

10 – Last Squatch Standing, 9 a.m. or 2 p.m., West Orange, N.J., www.facebook.com/sassquadtrailrunning.

11 – Citytri Runs Race Again in Queens, half-marathon, 9 a.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, www.citytri.com.

11 – Off the Grid 5K, 9 a.m., Williamstown, N.J., www.secondcapitalrunning.com.

15 – Old McDonna Rockland Farm Alliance Trail Run, 3 mi., 8:30 a.m., New City, N.Y., www.runningintheusa.com.

16 – IPA 5K, 4 p.m., Wildwood, N.J., www.delmosports.com.

16 – Run for Aaron 5K, 9 a.m., Vineland, N.J., www.run4aaron.com.

17 – Wolfe’s Run 10K, 10 a.m., Wolfe’s Pond Park, www.completerace.com.

17 – Mud Hen 5-Miler and 10-Miler, 7 a.m., Wildwood, N.J., www.delmosports.com.

17 – NYCRUNS Prospect Park 5K (also virtual option), 7 a.m., Prospect Park, Brooklyn, theteam@nycruns.com.

17 – Daniela’s Butterfly 5K, (virtual race), 10 a.m., www.danielacontefoundation.org.

17 – Brooklyn PACE 5K (virtual option), 8 a.m., Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn, www.paceruns.com.

17 – Pearl River 5K, 11 a.m., Pearl River, N.Y., www.pearlriverny.org.

17 – Spring Half-marathon, 9 a.m., Rockaway Beach, N.Y., www.rockapulcorun.com.

17 – 39th annual St. James 5-Miler (virtual option), 9 a.m., St. James, N.Y., www.runningintheusa.com.

17 – 3rd annual Warrior Run 5K, 10 a.m., Cooper River Park, Pennsauken, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

18 – 57th annual Capt. Ron Zinn Memorial Races, 5K (virtual option), 10 a.m., Wall, N.J., www.shoreac.org.

18 – The Future of Blue +21, 5K, 10 a.m., Brielle, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

18 – NYRR Central Park 4 Mile, 12 noon, Central Park, www.nyrr.org.

18 – Conquer the Trail Race Series, 10K, 5K, 9 a.m., Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., www.runningintheusa.com.

18 – Port Jervis PBA 5K Foot Chase, 9 a.m., Elks Brox Park, Port Jervis, N.Y., www.runningintheusa.com.

18 – Bridgewater Donut Chase 5K, 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. starts, Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

18 – St. Cassian Cougar Challenge Virtual 5K, Bloomfield, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

24 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

24 – 75th anniversary Guide Dog Foundation Run and Dog Walk (virtual race), www.glirc.org.

24 – Citytri Run Race Again at Verrazano, 5K- 9 a.m., half-marathon- 9:30 a.m., 10K- 10 a.m., American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn, www.citytri.com.

24 – Run for the Wild 5K, 8 a.m., Bronx Zoo, Bronx, www.p2p.onecause.com.

24 – April Fools 8K, 9 a.m., Atlantic City, N.J., acmarathon@ccatlantic.org.

24 – Clinton Township Country Run, 15K- 8:30 a.m., 5K- 9 a.m., Bundt Park, Lebanon, N.J., www.ctcountryrun.com.

24 – 12th annual Running4Answers 5K, 8:30 a.m., Roseland, N.J., info@running4answers.org.

24 – 10th annual Susan Zabransky Hughes Memorial Virtual 5K, Saddle River, N.J., www.saddleriver5k.com.

25 – Heart of Plainedge 5K, 9 a.m., Plainedge H.S., Massapequa, N.Y., www.runningintheusa.com.

25 – April Fools Half-marathon, 8 a.m., Atlantic City, N.J., acmarathon@ccatlantic.org.

25 – 2nd annual 5-Mile Race to bRUNch, virtual race), Montclair, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

25 – Run the Vineyards 5-Miler, 9 a.m., William Heritage Winery, Mullica Hill, N.J., www.gooddayforarun.com.

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RUMC Virtual  Arnold Obey 5K Run, Walk or Bike for NICU, May 14 - May 23, 2021

RUMC Virtual 5K Run, Walk or Bike for Richmond University Medical Center's NICU! In memory of Arnold Obey.

Get tickets here: https://rumcsi.akaraisin.com/ui/virtual5k/

Upcoming Races & Events

May road running calendar: Races are coming back, but you should still check before you go

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By Staten Island Advance Sports Desk

By George Kochman/Special to the Advance

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The weather is beginning to get nicer and road races are starting to come back, despite the pandemic. Still, road runners should check with the event’s website before venturing out to races to see if they are still on or not.

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May Race Calendar

1 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, for race info: panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

1 – Less Popular Brooklyn Half-marathon, 9 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, Brooklyn, raceguys@trimarasports.com.

1 – PACERUNS World Run of Asia (virtual race), 5K, 10K, www.paceruns.com.

1 – 29th River to Bay 5K Classic (virtual race), Island Heights, N.J., www.tomsriverkiwanis.org.

2 – NYCRUNS Verrazano Half-marathon, wave starts at 6 a.m., Shore Road Pier Park, Brooklyn, theteam@nycruns.com.

2 – NYC Spring Half-marathon, men- 7 a.m., women- 9 a.m., Riverside Park, Manhattan, www.citytri.com.

2 – Ian Bradley 5K Benefit Run, 9 a.m., Woodstown, N.J., www.runniongintheusa.com.

2 – Big Red 5K XIX (virtual race), Lawrenceville, N.J., www.lawrenceville.org.

2 – MSDA Meghan Doyle ’05K Race (virtual race), Caldwell, N.J.,

2 – Run the Vineyards- 10-Miler, 9 a.m., Auburn Road Winery, Woodstown, N.J., www.gooddayforarun.com.

4 – The Kessel Run 12K- Manhattan to Queens, (virtual option), 7 p.m., www.runningintheusa.com.

5 – N.J. Trail X-C Series, 5K, 6:45 p.m., Central Park, Parsippany, N.J., njtrailseries@gmail.com.

7 – PACERUNS Latin American World Run 5K (virtual race), www.paceruns.com.

8 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

8 – Greenbelt Trail 50K and 25K Trail Runs, 8 a.m., Plainview, N.Y., www.glirc.org.

8 – Breakneck Point Trail Runs, marathon6:30 a.m., half-marathon- 7 a.m., Hudson Highlands State Park, Beacon, N.Y., www.rednewtracing.com.

8 – Mother’s Day Marathon, Half-marathon, 5K, 8 a.m., Rockaway Beach, N.Y., www.rocapulcorun.com.

8 – 3rd annual Cinco de Drinko 5K (virtual option), 9:30 a.m., Cherry Hill, N.J., www.runamucktiming.com.

8 – 42nd annual Great Cape May Footrace, 10K, 5K, 8 a.m., Cape May, N.J., www.capemayrunning.co/footrace.

8 – 26th annual Monmouth Beach PTO 5K, 9 a.m., Monmouth Beach, N.J., www.mbpto.com.

8 – Run to the Best You- Breast Cancer 5K Run (virtual race), Absecon, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

9 – Mother’s Day 5K, 9 a.m., FDR Park, Yorktown Heights, N.Y., bacmac1@gmail.com.

9 – Brooklyn Mother’s Day Half-marathon, 10K, 5K- 9 a.m., Prospect Park, Brooklyn, www.citytri.com.

9 – Mother’s Day 5K Run at Terra Nonno, 9:30 a.m., Millville, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

9 – Run the Hook 5K, 10K (virtual option), Sandy Hook, N.J., www.runthehooknj.com.

10 – Three Days at the Fair, 6 Days, 9 a.m., Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, N.J., jennbmcnulty@gmail.com.

13 – Three Days at the Fair, 72 Hr. Run, 9 a.m., Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta,. N.J., jennbmcnulty@gmail.com.

14 – Arnold Obey/RUMC Virtual 5K Run, gferreri@rumcsi.org.

14 – UnWINEd 5K, 6:45 p.m., Federal Twist Vineyard, Stockton, N.J., www.scoogieevents.com.

14 – Three Days at the Fair, 48-Hr. Run, 9 a.m., Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, N.J., jennbmcnulty@gmail.com.

15 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

15 – NYCRUNS Queens Half-marathon (with virtual option), wave starts at 7 a.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, theteam@nycruns.com.

15 – Marine Corps 5K Run for Freedom, 9:30 a.m., Freehold, N.J., www.marinecorpsrunforfreedom5k.org.

15 – 5K Run to End Addiction, 9 a.m., Shorefront Park, Patchogue, N.Y., 631-949-2442.

15 – Macho Trail Run, 5 mi., 7:30 a.m., Stillwell Woods, Woodbury, N.Y., www.runningintheusa.com.

15 – Sleepy Hollow Half-marathon, 9:30 a.m., Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., www.rivertownrunners.org.

15 – UnWINEd 5K, 8:30 a.m., Federal Twist Vineyard, Stockton, N.J., www.scoogieevents.com.

15 – N.J. 10-Miler and 5K (virtual option), 8 a.m., Somers Point, N.J., www.prracing.org.

15 – Three Days at the Fair, 24 hrs., 12 hrs., 6 hrs., 9 a.m., Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, N.J., jennbmcnulty@gmail.com.

16 – NYCRUNS Queens Half-marathon (with virtual option), wave starts at 7 a.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, theteam@nycruns.com.

16 – Chamber Runs and Walks OC, 5K, 8:30 a.m., Montgomery, N.Y., www.runningintheusa.com.

16 – Grape Gallop, 2 mi., 9 a.m., Alba Vineyards, Milford, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

19 – N.J. Trail X-C Series, 5K, 6:45 p.m., Central Park, Parsippany, N.J., njtrailseries@gmail.com.

21 – PACERUNS Diversity and Inclusion 5K (virtual race), www.paceruns./com.

22 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

22 – 17th annual Spring into Summer 5K, 8:30 a.m., Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, N.J., www.runningintheusa.com.

22 – Bar A Kilt Run, 2 mi., 10 a.m., Lake Como, N.J., www.jerseyrunner.com.

22 – 13th Sounds of Silence 5K and 10K, 8:30 a.m., Brightwaters, N.Y., www.postpartumny.org.

23 – XCelsior Marathon and Half-marathon, 6 a.m., Saddle River County Park, Rochelle Park, N.J., www.santateresalric.org.

23 – Ridge Road 5K (virtual option), Little Silver, N.J., rodgeroadrun5k@gmail.com.

26 – N.J. Trail X-C Series, 5K, 6:45 p.m., Central Park, Parsippany, N.J., njtrailseries@gmail.com.

27 – 15th annual Legal Runaround 5K, 7 p.m., Somerville, N.J., www.legalrunaround.org.

29 – Staten Island A.C. 3-Mile Fun Run, 9 a.m., Clove Lakes Park, panza.davidr25@yahoo.com.

29 – 45th Spring Lake 5-Miler, 8:30 a.m., Spring Lake, N.J., www.springlake5.org.

29 – Barbara Bartell memorial Runday 5K, 8:30 a.m., Hicksville, N.Y., 516-396-2753.

29 – PACERUNS Da Bronx 5K (virtual option), 9 a.m., Crotona Park, Bronx, www.paceruns.com.

30 – Xcelsior Marathon and Half-marathon, 6 a.m., Rockland Lake State Park, Valley Cottage, N.Y., www.santateresalric.org.

30 – 44th annual City Manager’s Race to Remember, 10K, 5K, 8 a.m., Long Beach, N.Y., www.longbeachny.gov.

30 – Run the Vineyards- Hopewell Valley 5K, 9 a.m., Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington, N.J., www.gooddayforarun.com.

30 – Run to Remember 5K, 9 a.m., North Wildwood, N.J., www.nwwvetrun.com.

31 – Danna Classic 5K, 8 a.m., Parvin State Park, Elmer, N.J., www.facebook.com/secondcapitalrunning.

31 – Medford Lakes Colony Memorial Day 5K, 8 a.m., Medford Lakes, N.J., www.facebook.com/medfordslakesmemorialdayrun.

Hi friends! Please join us for an EXCITING race coming up! Our friends at The Staten Island Running Association, Inc. Presents the '2021 Memorial Day Virtual Flag 5K Run & Walk!' Pay tribute while staying fit and committed this upcoming Memorial Day weekend!

REGISTER HERE AT: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memorial-day-virtual-flag-5k-run-walk-registration-152857991367?fbclid=IwAR1_Ib1J6cX5TinsNZY-uTA-zLRy84SlbxSeyc9ID-ig9O6ZHUIjVtLwX0s

While still in the grip of the pandemic, SIRA will continue the tradition of our annual Memorial Day 5K in virtual mode. We felt it was more important than ever to keep this tradition alive while encouraging runners and walkers to stay active. We can all still get out to run or walk in our local neighborhood or park while maintaining appropriate social distancing guidelines, and raise funds to support those who have fought for us to keep us safe and free.

Once you run or walk your 5K between May 29 and June 1, you'll be able to post your finisher time and see all finisher results.

The net proceeds raised will support our island's veterans organizations. Donations will be made to:

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge

Louise W. Murphy Gold Star Mother Scholarship

Vietnam Veterans of America Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421

Runners and walkers can choose their level of support:

$10: receive a commemorative bib

$20: receive a reusable bag and commemorative bib

$35: receive a running visor, bag and commemorative bib

$35: receive a running hat, bag and commemorative bib

$75: Red, White, and Blue sponsor (name or "in honor of" on SIRA website)

$125: Old Glory sponsor (name or "in honor of" on SIRA website)

$250: Stars & Stripes sponsor (name or "in honor of" on SIRA website)

Donation: If you're unable to run or walk with us but still want to donate, we appreciate your support!

** RUNNERS AND WALKERS WILL BE ABLE TO PICK UP THEIR ITEMS AFTER MEMORIAL DAY AT LOCATIONS IN STATEN ISLAND. TO HAVE YOUR ITEMS SHIPPED, THERE IS A $10 CHARGE **

SPONSOR

Runner's High is the official running store of Staten Island Running Association. With stores in Metuchen and Freehold, New Jersey, Runner's High stores offer customers an opportunity to shop for their running needs with professional assistance. Whether an avid runner, training for a triathlon, getting your fitness as a walker or heading to the gym for a workout, Runner's High is here to support all your needs.

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Staten Island Running Association, Inc. is a non-profit whose mission is to fundraise for and support youth and community running in Staten Island.

#VirtualFlag5K #StatenIslandRunning #MemorialDayrun #memorialdayweekend #MemorialDay2021 #runningcommunity

New York Triathalon Org Presents the FUHGEDDABOUDIT DUATHLON, Various Dates/Times Listed Below

The Staten Island Running Association, Inc. (SIRA) Presents the '2021 Memorial Day Virtual Flag 5K Run & Walk! SAT May 29 - TUES June 1

Running Motivation

Why we run.

A good laugh and a long run are the two best cures for anything.

I run to add life to my days.

RUNNING HAS TAUGHT ME THAT I AM SO MUCH MORE CAPABLE THAN I EVER IMAGINED

The body achieves what the mind believes