Posted by ernie beach on June 11, 2005 at 22:20:28:
In Reply to: Re: Perhaps I did not notice this before-- posted by Glenn Ribotsky on June 11, 2005 at 08:28:41:
The Pepper Martin Run has been what it is for quite a long time now. The entities that are in charge of the race are what they are. I believe the race to be an accurate 5 miles. The amenities as stated earlier are poor. This year's application does state there is a post race barbecue. The language of the application is what it is. I think the larger issue is the fact that the running community on Staten Island or former residents that come in on race day are usually the same people that participate year after year. The wording of the application is from the viewpoint of the people that are in charge of the race. If that is their "safe" statement then it is what it is. In this day there are many people of questionable character also. In that instance perhaps the wording can be useful. I do not think the race director(s) are trying to be exclusionary to the usual runners. I believe they are just attempting to safeguard the ace from potential political agendas and keep the race what it is... a road race. As long as it is 5 miles, I'll make do. At least it is still on Forest Avenue. It's really the only run on Staten Island that still has that neighborhood quality. I hope that it will be around for a long time to come.