More than 1,400 runners and walkers took to the streets of Rye on Sunday, May 19 in the Soul Ryeders’ Second Annual Half Marathon and 5K run/walk.
The event raised more than $100,000 for Rye-based Soul Ryeders’ mission of supporting those with cancer through personalized support and resources.
The Survivors’ Tent, “a warm, safe, and welcoming space for cancer survivors and their caregivers to gather” before and after the race was a new addition, according to Lesley Findlay, Soul Ryeders’ Director of Operations. “It provided an opportunity for survivors to meet one another, connect, and celebrate the accomplishment of competing in either of the two distance races.”
In addition, survivors received handmade beaded bracelets that said “Courage,” which were made by Soul Ryeders’ Giving Circle members. “Courage” was the theme of this year’s event, and the group of runners courageously set out to run the 13.1-mile course, which cut through the streets of Rye and Port Chester, winding up along the Long Island Sound near Playland. Some participants did a 5K run or walk. But, Findlay said, the theme acknowledged that cancer survivors also have to keep stepping to finish their own challenges.
“Focusing on Soul Ryeders’ mission to support those impacted by cancer, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring in our local area and beyond,” said Heidi Kitlas, Soul Ryeders’ executive director.
The top finishers in the race were Avi Portillo in the men’s Half Marathon and Betsy Burke in the Women’s Half. Alexey Chernov and Donovan Baird were in second and third place while Natali Tanner and Isabella Rogler took second and third in the women’s half.
Rye resident Cian Galligan took first place in the Men’s 5K, followed by Dany Tateo (who was running for his son), and Rye’s Will Squarek. Laura Hergenrother took first place in the women’s 5k, followed by Katherine Hesler and Marina Maendel.