The Staten Island Runner

3 Mile Fun Run

January 18, 2003

Jeff Benjamin, Scott LaMorte, Steve Hook and Gene Galasso shared first place, while Barbara Byrne won the women's division, at the weekly SIAC Run for Fun in frigid Clove Lakes Park. Contested in 6 degree temperatures, the quartet of men covered the three-mile course in 19:27, with Mark Vogt next in 20:21.

Byrne finished in 21:57, with Alma Ramos second in 24:30 and Lisa Rigolini third in 27:34.

Yes, it was so cold that I was unable to open the water cooler to dump the remaining water after the race. Six degrees in Bay Terrace as I drove to the race. And the quartet mentioned above decided at some point in the second loop to join hands as they approached the finish line. I would have shed a tear of joy at the sight had I not been concerned about it freezing on my already frigid face.

This may have broken the record for lowest temperature at a Fun Run; I recall 8 degrees a few years back. OK, it wasn't windy, as several pointed out, but cold is cold!! Congrats to all who finished today. Applications for the St. Paddy's Day 5K at Wolfes Pond Park are available. Date set is March 22nd. Check with Mark Vogt, Lisa Rigolini or Fred Rigolini for details.