Coogan's Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K Run / Kids Races - Event Gallery

March 1, 2009 [Local Gallery] [Video] [Results]

Now in its 11th year, this popular race is contested through hilly Washington Heights. Though a new course this year took runners deeper into Fort Tryon Park than in years past, the presence of bands and cheerleaders all along the way was familiar to the 4,700 finishers.

Members of the New York Athletic Club and the Nike Central Park Track Club looked relaxed on the starting line.	Nearly 5,000 runners got under way in sub-freezing, windy conditions with a hint of snow in the air.	Legendary Yankee fan Freddy Sez was on hand to give the racers luck with his shamrock-adorned frying pan.	Jennifer Gallagher of the Bronx (#3206) and Erin Hess of Brooklyn (#6231) dressed for the weather and looked comfortable.
Some of these participants might have dressed a bit too warmly.	Iman Wilkerson of Brooklyn (#3617) and Etta Franken of Tenafly, NJ, worked together up one of the course’s tough hills.	Persephone Chan of Upper Montclair, NJ, could have won a Best Name competition.	Rita Ferreira of New York City was as happy as she was well-hydrated.
This race traditionally offers a variety of musical entertainment along the course.	Cheerleaders are another frequent feature; this year, the weather required a bit more than their usual uniforms.	Worku Beyi, of the Westchester Track Club (WTC) by way of Ethiopia, won the men’s race in a quick 14:38.	Aziza Aliyu, also of WTC, set a women’s course record of 16:25 in winning her second straight Coogan’s title.
Cecile Malinaud and Benjamin Kieffer, both of New York City, finished in exactly the same time.	John Gonzalez (#2226) of Spring Valley, NY, ran the race and had energy left to cheer.	Gisela Perez (#5468) had a friend to lean on.	Rosemary Población (#3457) and Janelle Bayucani seemed to be at the front of a wave of post-race smiles.
That apple looked shiny enough to put Snow White to sleep. (The bagel was probably safe.)	This coach looked like he had quite a team.	Adults could accompany children in the younger Kids’ Races divisions. The races are for youngsters ages 2 through 12.	The term “Fun Run” was taken literally by these packs of racers.
Key-lime green was the color of the day and the race T-shirt.	New York’s Finest presented the kids with medals…	…after New York’s Bravest welcomed them at the finish line.	A bright, glowing, beautiful tribute to a great day…and wearing a nice medal, too.