Hundreds Step Up to the Tuckahoe Challenge

Although the sky was overcast, the lack of sunshine and cool, crisp air provided participants with optimal running conditions for the Tuckahoe road race on Sunday morning. Over 200 men, women and children of all ages and skill sets took part in the one and five-mile races. 

"The one-mile attracts a lot of families, so you'll see a lot of children come with their families and some people with strollers. Then there is the five-mile. But in both cases, there are some serious runners," said Clare Gorman race coordinator and village trustee, "Today is a nice health-awareness day and it's always successful thanks to local businesses like Hudson Valley Bank that sponsor it." 

Putting the annual challenge together takes work and deputy mayor and trustee Steven Ecklond was on hand to help, including troubleshooting the time clock.

"It's a great day for a race. The proceeds we get benefit the Tuckahoe Senior Citizens, the beautification committee and some other worthwhile organizations in Tuckahoe," he said. "We're [really] happy. We have a tremendous amount of people registered and expect more than 200 people to run."

Veteran racer Christina Gilmartin of Yonkers—who completed the New York City marathon last year—participated in Sunday's run with her sister-in-law Susan Campanile, and niece Angelina.

"While I am running the five-mile, Susan will run the one-mile," said Gilmartin. "I am also running the one-mile adult-child run with my niece, Angelina."

Many runners, like Dan Hogan of Yonkers, use the Tuckahoe run to prepare for longer races.

"This is my first time running the Tuckahoe road race challenge. Since I am getting ready to run a half-marathon in Yonkers next week, I am using this as a trial to prepare for it," Hogan explained.

The race attracted people of all ages, including 10-year-old Lucas Geremia, who was excited participating in the one-mile race with his dad, Todd.

"I've ran a mile two or three times before but this is my first race. To prepare for today, I had a small breakfast, an energy drink and energy bar. If your stomach is too full it might slow you down, so you have to be careful about what you eat," Geremia said. "I practiced for a week with my dad to get ready for this. I ran from my house to my grandma's which is a little over a mile and it is more hilly which gives a little extra challenge."

Some have made participating in the race a yearly family tradition, like Cathy and Team Vassey of Scarsdale.

"I am running the one-mile with my son, Truman, who is ten-months-old, his elder brother, Conor who is 9-years-old and my husband Jeff. I ran out to get a stroller (that is equipped for running) at the last minute. I needed something that had a bit more kick to it," she explained.

She continued, "This has been a tradition for the past couple of years. We didn't do it last year due to my pregnancy, but now we are back. A healthy lifestyle and fitness is something we value in our family. Jeff is a dual athlete, Conor plays travel hockey, and I used to coach tennis."

Later in the day, as he and his family crossed the finish line Truman had his hands up in his stroller—just like a seasoned road racer.

When all the races were completed, participants headed to the community center for the awards ceremony and raffles.

"We give out a tremendous amount of awards for various categories. There are an awful lot of raffle prizes we give out as well," explained Ecklond. "Many of the businesses in Tuckahoe have been generous. In addition to financially supporting the race, which offsets the cost of t-shirts and getting everything put together, they donate their services. It's a win-win situation for all who are involved."

Check back for a full list of winners and times.