It happens in Wolfe's Pond Park, which was dedicated as the
Park of the Bravest by former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.
Staten Island Advance 7/7/09
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Larry Schau skirted some debris en route to an easy victory at a past Ladder 5 Cross Country Challenge in Staten Island's Wolfe's Pond Park. |
When it comes to jobs
that require endurance, New York firefighting ranks at the top.
So it shouldn't be surprising to learn the
Ladder 5 Cross Country Challenge,
a 5K endurance trail and beach run, going off July 11, is named
for FDNY members.
But the race has deeper ties to NYC's firefighting community: It
happens in Wolfe's Pond Park, which was dedicated as the Park of
the Bravest by former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The idea was
inspired by the deaths of Christopher Siedenburg of Great Kills,
and Capt. John J. Drennan Jr. of Eltingville, two of three
firefighters killed in Lower Manhattan's Watts Street Fire in
1994. Both were fans of Wolfe's Pond, recall friends.
Years later, several more Ladder 5 firefighters, would grow
attached to the Prince's Bay park. Firefighters Robert Beddia of
South Beach and Joseph Graffagnino of Brooklyn were among the
crew who would get on their hands and knees to build the trail
system now enjoyed by mountain-bikers and runners. The pair were
killed in Lower Manhattan's Deutsche Bank blaze of 2007.
Today, the trails are maintained
by current members of Engine24/Ladder 5, which is based in SoHo,
but several of whose members live on Staten Island.
"It's one big family," says Ladder 5 firefighter Eric Staiano of
Tottenville. But the family can always grow with the public's
help. The race usually attracts between 200 and 300 runners.
Matt LeBow, assistant director of the race, describes it as the
toughest 5K in the borough. "Our fastest runners are two to
three minutes behind their road race times," he says.
As in years past, the day will feature an array of children's
activities including face-painting, clowns as well as live
music, and barbecue eats. Wicking T-shirts will be given to all
racers. For more information visit the online home of New York
Adventure Racing Association, the organization that sponsors the
event.
The race starts at 10 a.m. Access the park off Cornelia Road.
Entrance fees are $35 for adults and $15 for students, 18 years
and younger. Online registration closes July 9 at 11 p.m.
Register in person July 8 at 6 p.m. in the Grant City Tavern,
132 Freemont Ave. Participants may also register at the starting
line.
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