Recorriendo El Bronx
The Bronx vibe is unmistakable, and this morning’s New Balance Bronx 10 Mile welcomed more than 12,500 participants to be a part of it. On a course up and down the Grand Concourse, past Bronx landmarks like the Paradise Theater and the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, and with a turnaround point on Mosholu Parkway in front of the New York Botanical Garden, the race was a historical and cultural tour of NYC’s northernmost borough, with a finish just outside of iconic Yankee Stadium.
This year’s race was extra special—and a bit poignant—as it was the final time that Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon, would direct a race here in the Bronx. Ciaccia, Bronx born and raised, will retire following the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon on November 4.
Before the race, Ciaccia received a special presentation from Michael Capiraso, NYRR’s president and CEO, and Jim Heim, senior vice president of event development and production and technical director of the TCS New York City Marathon, who will be taking over Ciaccia’s marathon director role.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be up here, and I stand on the shoulders of great leaders who have come before,” said an emotional Ciaccia.
Ideal racing conditions—58 degrees with sunshine, low humidity, and a light breeze—made for fast finishing times at the front of the pack. Harbert Okuti of the Westchester Track Club was the top men’s finisher in 48:35, and New Balance athlete Beverly Ramos won the women's race in 55:15.
NYRR announced this week that Ramos, a Puerto Rican Olympian who’ll be running this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, will help lead the expansion of Rising New York Road Runners youth programs in Puerto Rico. NYRR youth programs serve nearly 250,000 kids nationwide. Ramos spoke to the field in English and Spanish at the start today.
Minutes after breaking the #NBBronx10M event record,@Beverly_Ramos embraces her new role as a #RisingNYRR Ambassador & Special Advisor to Puerto Rico. pic.twitter.com/DcVSvsGelo
— NYRR Media Relations (@nyrrnews) September 30, 2018
Runners basked in the post-race sunshine and collected their finisher medals and Runner Recovery Bags presented by Hospital for Special Surgery. Among the finishers was NYRR board member Amber Sabathia, co-founder of the PitCCh In Foundation to enrich the lives of at-risk youth in inner cities. She is married to CC Sabathia, six-time All-Star and Cy Young Award-winning pitcher for the Yankees.
Anticipation for the TCS New York City Marathon was high today, with some runners using the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile as a tune-up race while others made it part of a long training run by logging miles before the start and/or adding laps on the Macombs Dam Park track.
Next up, #StatenIslandHalf! #IRunThisBody #NBBronx10M pic.twitter.com/1JrAYPTg2Q
— Jordan Brill (@JordanJordyJord) September 30, 2018
There they could spot hundreds of kids taking part in the Rising New York Road Runners at the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, consisting of fitness activities and short runs, just across the street from Yankee Stadium.
The New Balance Bronx 10 Mile is the fourth race in the 2018 NYRR Five-Borough Series. The final race, the NYRR Staten Island Half, is set for October 14 and spots are still available, so sign up now!
NYRR members: Stop by the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub Sunday until 5:00 p.m. and Monday, October 1, 12:00-7:00 p.m. for free New Balance Bronx 10 Mile medal engraving.
What’s your next running challenge? Check out our 2018 race calendar and sign up for an upcoming race!