Staten Island Athletic Club's
3 Mile Fun Run
March 3, 2001
What’s this? Forty degree temperatures, and a noticeable absence of wind on a Saturday? What a treat compared to the rest of this year’s fun runs. Many of the runners took advantage of the comparably balmy conditions to post solid times.
Jordan Pekor quickly freed himself of the pesky early-race hangers-on and opened up a good lead in the first half-mile. By the mile mark, Dave Panza, back from illness and vacation, was the only runner with a chance to catch the young Peckor, and that was a slim chance at best. Pekor went on to an easy win in 17:30. Panza finished second in a strong 18:27 despite running most of the race in no man’s land (no, that’s not a bar in the Village). That’s when there’s nearly a minute gap ahead of and behind you, and you’re tempted pull over for a quick nap, knowing it probably won’t effect your place. Richie Orazem (third in 19:06) and Steve Lauria (fourth in 19:12) loomed just big enough in Panza’s rear view mirror to keep him from slacking off. Sean Gatling, who flirted with his PR twice in recent weeks, broke it and the 20:00 barrier with a 19:56 in fifth place. Anthony Skomina bounced back after a sluggish run last week, finishing sixth in 20:00.
In the women’s race Ann Marie Ruta cruised home with the win in 22:38. Not far behind was Debra Mahr in second, who nearly broker her own PR and the 23:00 barrier with a 23:05. Angela Conte finished third with a fine 25:40. Ruth Fairbrother (27:18) and Lisa Rigolini (30:36) closed out the top five.
In the "how can they still run that fast" category, a number of (how can I say this without making enemies) "masters +" runners posted great times. Tony Celentano (age 69) broke 25:00 for the first time this year with a 24:32. It’s a good thing he didn’t lock himself out of his car this week. How about Larry Araneo (age 65) who ran 22:30, Joe Feldstein (age 57) running 25:20, Bob Watson (age 54) running 20:24, not to mention Angela Conte and Ruth Fairbrother who run well nearly every week. This reinforces the thought that we should have an age graded fun run in the near future.
RESULTS
| Place, Name | Sex | Time |
| 1. Jordan Pekor | M | 17:30 |
| 2. Dave Panza | M | 18:27 |
| 3. Richie Orazem | M | 19:06 |
| 4. Steve Lauria | M | 19:12 |
| 5. Sean Gatling | M | 19:56 |
| 6. Anthony Skomina | M | 20:00 |
| 7. Bob Watson | M | 20:24 |
| 8. Scott Hall | M | 20:33 |
| 9. Scott LaMorte | M | 20:39 |
| 10. Alberto Garcia | M | 20:44 |
| 11. Andy Burek | M | 20:45 |
| 12. Fred Rigolini | M | 20:46 |
| 13. Mark Vogt | M | 21:15 |
| 14. Jason Hart | M | 22:06 |
| 15. Larry Araneo | M | 22:31 |
| 16. Ann Marie Ruta | F | 22:38 |
| 17. Debra Mahr | F | 23:05 |
| 18. Bill Rivers | M | 23:57 |
| 19. Tony Celentano | M | 24:32 |
| 20. Joe Feldstein | M | 25:20 |
| 21. Angela Conte | F | 25:40 |
| 22. Ruth Fairbrother | F | 27:18 |
| 23. Thomas McKernan | M | 29:05 |
| 24. Lisa Rigolini | F | 30:36 |