Columbia Sponsors Coogans Salsa, Blues & Shamrocks Annual 5k Run

WHAT: Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital sponsor Coogan’s 4th Annual SALSA, BLUES & SHAMROCKS 5K RUN 2002, celebrating the strength and cultural diversity of northern Manhattan.

WHY: Proceeds from the race will benefit the Armory Track and Field Center and the children of Washington Heights and Inwood.

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 2002 9:00 a.m. RACE 10:00 a.m. KIDS’ RACE (ages 2-12) 11:00 a.m. Reception for dignitaries and officials REGISTER: www.nyrrc.org, 212-860-4455

WHERE: The race, sanctioned by the New York City Road Runners in conjunction with the Armory Track and Field Center, will begin – rain or shine – on the corner of Fort Washington Avenue and 169th Street. The race for adults and high school participants will run along Fort Washington and head to Fort Tryon Park. The scenic route will circle the historic Cloisters and return back to 169th Street.

WHO: U.S. Olympian Regina Jacobs, 2-mile world record holder, will participate in the race. The race will honor Captain Frederick Ill Jr. and be officially started by his widow, Mary Ill. Captain Ill was a local firefighter who lost his life in the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11. The kids’ race will be started by a local kindergartner who lost both parents in the crash of flight 587. Police and firefighters who participate in the race will compete for the Captain Frederick Ill Jr. Victory Cup, while teams of students will compete for $1,000 prizes for their high school sports programs as part of the Norbert Sander High School Open, a “race within a race.”

PHOTO-OPS: Up-and-coming singer Carina Pacian performing The Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful; children competing in their own race; local celebrities and supporters who participate in the race; Assemblyman Denny Farrell Jr., co-chairman of the race, and other elected officials will attend the race.

# # #

Tags

Mary Ill, Olympian Regina Jacobs, RACE, REGISTER, Victory Cup