The Staten Island Runner

Staten Island Athletic Club's
3 Mile Fun Run

August 19, 2001

It seemed to be the calm before the storm at this week’s fun run, as most  runners took it easy prior to next week’s 25th Anniversary Fun Run Series finale. Chris Strumolo rallied from a slow start to win the race in 17:58. Lissy Binder took the women’s race with a fine 22:40.

As opposed to the aggressive starts of the past few weeks, this week’s lead pack was hesitant, apathetic and basically pretty dull. It seemed that nobody wanted to take the lead, and one wondered if they were all trying to decide whether to just hang a right on Martling and head to Jody’s for a beer instead. New Dorp runner Chris Strumolo, who is too young to drink and had no plans for Jody’s, broke the monotony by bolting to the lead at about the half-mile mark. He extended his lead through a 5:52 first mile. One by one the original lead pack backed off the pace. Jody’s must have been closed since all finished the race, but none challenged Strumolo who went on to an easy victory. See what clean living can do for you? Mark Vogt took second in 18:30, followed by Lassana Moore (18:51) and Dave Panza (19:01). Steve Woitkowski (19:23) came from behind to run down A-Born Etchison (19:36) for fifth place. Newcomer Sal Perry took seventh in 20:25. Fifty-five year old Ron Cohen (20:42) edged fifty-seven year old Paul Buchheit (20:48) for eighth, as both recorded great times for that age group, especially given the hot and humid conditions. Sean Gatling (21:02) rounded out the top ten.

Lissy Binder ran 22:40 and took the women’s race with an easy victory and a six minute margin. Lisa Rigolini was second in 28:54, followed by Giselle Wright (30:10) and Marie Garone (40:52).

Don’t forget that next Saturday is the last race in the Fun Run Series and will honor the period from 1976 to 1980. The current series standings can be found on the web site. We will have plenty of 1970s music and a full breakfast in the picnic area at the top of cardiac hill. Each participant in next week’s race will receive a Fun Run Certificate, which is a replica of the certificates given out in 1976, when the Fun Run began it’s 25 year streak as a weekly event. Will we also give out the trophies for the top 25 finishers of the series and honor the last two inductees into the Fun Run Hall of Fame. Did I mention the 70s music? Be ready to boogie!