The Staten Island Runner

3 Mile Fun Run

April 5, 2003

By Dave Panza

Scott LaMorte and Barbara Byrne coasted to easy victories in the weekly SIAC Run for Fun at wet Clove Lakes Park. LaMorte covered the three mile course in 17:33, outdistancing second place Jeff Benjamin (18:18) and third place Olu (18:19). Luis Oyola (18:30) and Frank Connelly (18:33) rounded out the top five overall.

Byrnes won the women's race in 19:38, with Christine Connelly a distant second in 22:18. Mary Molski (24:53), Angela Conte (29:48) and Marie Garone (38:20) rounded out the top five women finishers.

There was little drama in the respective races for first place today, with Scott LaMorte and Barbara Byrne coasting to victory on a miserable day for being outside. So kudos for all who rolled out of a warm bed for this race.

Marie Garone gets special credit for starting out 10 minutes ahead of the rest of the runners and self-timing, so we wouldn't have to wait any longer than necessary in the raw conditions. Additionally, she was led to the starting line by yours truly at a relatively quick jog, so she really ran more than three miles today, as she noted to me afterwards. So did Jim Duffy, who jogged hurriedly to the starting line from the bridge as we lined up, and then took off again two seconds later.

Next week, we will be dedicating the Fun Run to the American troops in Iraq. The idea was spawned by Karen McNamara and will not be a pro-war or anti-war event, just a thank you to the troops. Unlike the memorial race after 9/11, where we turned the race clock off and ran together as one, we are expecting to keep the clock running for those who want to compete. Please come out and run/walk or just be there in support of the troops.