Remington Flyers Finished Run from DC Monday

There were cheers and applause in New Rochelle Monday when the Remington Flyers finished a 243-mile relay race.

The group, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is part of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, began the race Friday in Washington, DC. "From the White House to Our House" brought the 35 children, along with coaches and some parents, up Route 1 to the city.

Mariah Latty, 13, said each runner covered up to 2 miles at least twice a day while making their way back from the District of Columbia.

"Some people ran three times," she said. "It was exciting and tiring." The most interesting thing Latty saw on the trip was the White House, she said.

The weather was not entirely cooperative, forcing them to run through the weekend's heavy rainstorms. "And we still kept going," Latty said.

She never thought she would ever participate in something like the relay. When asked if would ever do it again, Latty unhesitatingly said, "Yes!"

Deanna Kerr, 13, said she's been running since she was 6.

She said the most difficult part of the race was the hilly terrain in Maryland.

"I didn't think it was possible" to run such a race, Kerr said. "It made me understand we can do what we want to do."

Coach Walter Brown said he couldn't be more proud of the children.

"One of the first things people say about kids in New Rochelle is negative," he said. "These children are really trying to make better of themselves."

The training provides a focus for them, Brown said.

"They are running toward the future," he said.

Angelique Francis, a parent of one of the runners and a supporter of the organization, said they hoped to raise $25,000 to help defer expenses incurred from sending the children to meets and events.

A banner accompanied the runners asking for donations to be texted.

A portion of what is raised will be donated to the neonatal unit at Sound Shore Medical Center, she said.

Francis couldn't say enough good things about Brown. He doesn't just teach running, she said.

"They learn about healthy eating habits and hear how to be part of the bigger community," Francis said. "It's about giving back."

Mayor Noam Bramson and other elected officials were on hand to congratulate the children on the completion of a successful run.

Bramson said the young people looked none the worse for wear after three days of running.

"Eight days ago, I ran in a 5K race," he said, "and at the end of it, I felt I needed medical care."

After reading a resolution proclaiming April 18 Remington Flyers Day in the City of New Rochelle, Bramson said the children "demonstrated the ability to face and overcome challenges.

"Welcome home," he said.