NYRR Five Borough Bash

Thanks to the generosity of the New York Road Runners, I was able to experience the NYRR Five Borough Bash last night in the company of some of my best friends and running’s top athletes.

(Picture compliments of Melissa.)

It isn’t often that I’m standing 10 feet from the amazing woman gracing the cover of Runner’s World this month, Lauren Fleshman. The event, which raises money for New York Road Runner’s Youth Programs, like Team for Kids, was held in lovely Bohemian Hall. The hall was decorated with Fall inspired trees and decorations along with tables filled with the things which fill runner’s carbohydrates dreams.

Troughs of pasta, hanging soft pretzels and pizza slices, along with a bar that happily served both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages greeted us as we entered the event.

 

 

 

 

 

After enjoying a taste of the food, our group spent almost an hour talking about the race itself. We are all running on Sunday and therefore were able to bounce ideas off each other, talk about preparation, and discuss training. It was wonderful to spend the evening with such like minded people. (picture compliments of Theodora)

                               Theodora, Dori, me, Melissa, and Melissa Z

During the event we heard from multiple people whose lives have been touched by NYRR. The first, was Mary Wittenberg who gave an overview of the different youth organizations and just how far they’ve come over the years.

• Team for Kids was started in Red Hook in 1999
• The program is now in all 50 states and countries across the world
• There are multiple ways to get involved, many of which require no money.

In addition the annual honorees, both of whom have contributed both time and energy to the New York Road Runnrs, Owen Ryan and Cathy Lasry, were honored.

But, my favorite portion of the evening was by far hearing from Emiliomar, the NYRR Youth Ambassador. Running has changed his life and provided him with the confidence he needs to stay out of trouble and focus on his school work. He was adorable on stage as he read his speech and nervously looked down at his mom who was frantically waving and video taping him.  (Video via Theodora)

His speech inspired each of us to donate $25 to the New York Road Runners as a thank you for hosting us.

Thank you NYRR for such a wonderful and inspiring evening!