September 20, 2000
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What's going on? A lot. As the fall season is now in full swing.
TOBIN TAKES STATEN ISLAND
Mike Tobin showing a drive and determination that hasn't been seen on Staten Island in a real long time completed his 3 day monster run from Cape May on Saturday.
The 165 mile run for the benefit of the Firefighters Burn Center in N.Y.C. concluded near Clove Lakes Park in front of a large crowd of fans, supporters and well wishers. Afterwards everyone was treated to a barbecue at the Marine Post off Victory Blvd. Tobin who is the motivation behind the First SIAC 6 Hour Race on Sat. Sept. 23rd. has seemed to singlehandedly created a lot of interest in the sport of Ultramarathoning. It is not too late to make a contribution to this worthwhile cause. A check can be sent to: Mike at 100 Bidwell Ave. SI NY 10314 (Payable to Burn Center Foundation)
The question remains.What will Mike try next year?
SIAC 6HR.ULTRAMARATHON
The First Staten Island 6hr. Race will be held on Sat. Sept. 23rd. and entries have been cut off at 32. The race will feature Staten Island's big 3: Tobin, Louis Rodriguez and little known Spencer Ellis.With Tobin obviously not at peak condition after last week look for a duel between Rodriguez and Ellis or an unknown off Islander. Rodriguez, a very high mileage runner has just one Ultra under his belt but it is the grand daddy of them all COMRADES MARATHON in South Africa. Ellis on the other hand has run over 25 ultras and beats Tobin very often.
Another interesting entry is the legendary Ted Corbitt. Corbitt is an American Olympian and is into his 80's. He was a guest speaker at last years SIAC/Triple Crown Dinner(Who could forget that). An interesting note is that when Rodriguez finished COMRADES in a gesture few would understand he gave Corbitt his medal. Corbitt being a black athlete was not allowed to compete in the great South African race because of their governments racist policy's. Also in the field is Alan Fairbrother. The englishmen has a 1,000 mile race under his belt and is now 64 years old. Expect him to run a good paced race and beat a lot of younger "faster" runners. It should be interesting.
Race directors Dave Caputo and Tobin have worked very hard at this event and deserve a lot of credit. They already have plans to elevate the race to the next level next year. Stay tuned:
MARLI AWARD ANNOUNCED
The SIAC announced this week the winner of the Lou Marli Service Award. Presented annually to a Staten Islander for "long time service to Staten Island Running" the list of previous winners are a who's who of great people. Some of the winners were Tom Hart, Jim Hughes, Bill Welsh, John Hughes, Dorothy Clinton, Pete Whitehouse, Judge Mike Brennan, etc.
This years nominees are: Jeff Benjamin, Celic Family, John Tobin, Pepper Martin Club, Tom Cuffe and Vin Giles.
The winner is THE CELIC FAMILY: For long time support of the 25 year old road race run in memory of Marty Celic. The winner is not to be confused with the Celic race committee which I am proudly a part of.
This years Marli Award winner will be honored at the Triple Crown Dinner on Thurs. Nov. 2nd. at the South Shore Country Club. More info. is coming soon.
CORRINE' PRIDE 5 KM.
In only it's second year the Corrine's Pride 5Km. is fast approaching on Sat. Sept. 30th. at Clove Lakes Park. Staten Island Runner and race director Steve Liell promises even a better race than last. The race features many, many awards including Pizza Pies to the winning kids in the kids races and many valuable merchandise awards. Steve has actually lowered the entry fee and will conduct this years event on a one loop course crossing Martlings Ave.
The race does have a realistic but sad note, Steve's beautiful 6 year old daughter Corrine has Cystic Fibrosis for which there is no cure. The average life expectancy is 31 which gives all of us 25 years to contribute to a cure. Meet Corrine one time and you will understand the importance of this event. Applications or contributions will be accepted at Big Nose Kates at 2484 Arthur Kill Road on Thurs. Sept. 28th. from 7:30-9:30. Steve is buying beers.