Staten Island On The Run: The 11th Annual Rocco Laurie NYPD Duathlon/Triathlon still going strong

A tradition

Police brass gather at the starting line of a previous Rocco Laurie race. (Photo courtesy of NYC Triathlon)

By Jeff Benjamin/Special to the Advance

Now in its 11th year, Rocco Laurie NYPD Duathlon/Triathlon event leader Larry Ambrosino continues to honor the memory of his childhood friend who died in the line of duty.

With all of the running, biking and swimming taking place next Sunday, Aug. 4 at the annual duathlon/triathlon put on by the New York Triathlon Association, it’s also not easy to miss and appreciate Ambrosino, who has helped dedicate the event after the memory of his childhood pal Rocco Laurie.

Laurie, a Port Richmond high school alum who also served in Vietnam, then went on to become a NYPD officer and tragically lost his life while serving his fellow New Yorkers in 1972. Ambrosino, chair of the Rocco Laurie Scholarship Fund, came up with the idea for this race along the Father Capodanno Blvd/Midland Beach shores to honor his friend and also raise funds for scholarships in Laurie’s name.

Now 11 years later, the Rocco Laurie Memorial Race is still going strong, a testament not only to the enduring legacy of Laurie and the enduring participation of the runners, swimmers and cyclists, but also the continued devotion of Ambrosino and his members of the Rocco Laurie Scholarship Committee.

For further Info go to

https://nytri.org/race-for-a-cause/rocco-laurie-memorial-race/

More news from the Staten Island Running Community-

Fred Rigolini continues to host an informal free run in Clove Lakes at 8 a.m. in front of Stonehenge every Friday. The course is a 5K trail run.

News from the Staten Island Athletic Club

The 3rd and final leg of the Fun Run Champs series honoring Steve Lauria will be taking place on Saturday, Aug. 10. There will be a post-Race BBQ!

The SIAC 3-Mile Fun Run takes place every Saturday in Clove Lakes Park beginning at 9 a.m. unless there's another race taking place locally that day. The event is free and open to all.

SIAC is also happy to announce its inaugural 5K race for the benefit of the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation on Sunday, September 29 at 10 am at Clove Lakes Park.

For more info go to- SIAC.org

News from the Richmond Rockets

“Rockets members Lisa Lubarsky and Cheryl and Mike Bergeron will be doing the 2019 Mont-Tremblant Iron Man on Aug. 18."

Also Tommy Hart’s 3-mile fun run every Thursday night at Clove Lakes will continue until Aug. 29.

For more info check out - https://teamrichmondrocket.wixsite.com/website

News from SITRAC

The Clove Lakes back hills of the new 5k x-country course is near completion. Construction will then move to the flats.

SITRAC will be meeting with the NYC Parks Dept. on Aug. 6 to coordinate the construction with the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Celic Run which is scheduled for Aug. 31. NCSS (Nobody Cares Sports Show) will be involved in videoing both.

For more info go to - https://m.facebook.com/groups/183661759675group_view_referrer=profile_browser

News from the New York Road Runners

NYRR is pleased to announce the continuation of the Silver Lake Park runs on Wednesday evenings! Geared towards runners of all levels, these workouts will offer a variety of interval, hill, and tempo workouts all designed to help you run faster. Whether your goal is to run your first race or to set a new personal best, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and coaches who’ll encourage you to pursue your goals and have fun in the process! Visit www.nyrr.org/train/classes/grouptraining for more information.

News From Correcaminos

Congratulations to all Correcaminos who ran the Arielle Newman! Our anniversary is coming and we will have great celebration! Members always can contact us for further info at correcaminos12@gmail.com"

A great runner with Jeff Benjamin

Runner Lopez Lomong, left, poses with Staten Island On the Run author Jeff Benjamin. (Photo courtesy of Sir Walter Miler)

Elite Training Tip - Lopez Lomong

Known as one of the “Lost Boys of the Sudan,” Lomong, a victim of civil war who was abducted and nearly died in captivity, subsequently escaped with others before finally settling in the USA after a 10-year horrifying journey.

A high school star at upstate Tully High School, Lomong then rose in the collegiate and professional ranks to become one of America’s best all-around runners, as the two-time Olympian (who also was the U.S. flag bearer at the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies) has competed at a high caliber of events from the mile up to the 10K.

At this past week’s USATF National 10K Championships, Lomong dominated the competition, clocking a personal best time of 27 minutes, 30 seconds.

Lomong’s autobiographical book, "Running for My Life: One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games” is now being made into a major movie by Film Roman in Hollywood, who is partnered with Brookwell/McNamara Entertainment, Red Heritage Media and Tom Ratcliffe.

“I think the most important thing for any runner is to believe in their coach and their training. Success does not come easy so you have to be very dedicated and tough both mentally and physically. Every victory and defeat is a lesson to be learned from.”

Monthly Prize Trivia

Please submit your answer to my email below. Correct answers will be put into a lot where two winners are drawn randomly.

One winner will receive a free pair of ASICS running shoes, while the other winner gets a free session at CRYO Staten Island (CRYOSI.com). Congrats to Alan Bernstein and Mary Karasinski for answering that the original Fourth of July Race was named for West Brighton legend Pepper Martin last month. Alan Bernstein receives a pair of Asics shoes while Mary Karasinski will get the complimentary Cryo session. This month’s question:

With the annual Celic Run taking place at Clove Lakes Park approaching can anyone name the site of the first race?

Good Luck and see you all next month!

Keep Running!!

Questions, comments, upcoming news? Please feel free to email Jeff at rbenja726@aol.com

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