Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile: Event GallerySeptember 26, 2009[Results] [Pro Gallery] [Event Gallery] [Winners Gallery] [All Coverage] |
Nearly 3,800 runners tested their mettle at the 29th Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile, a dash down New York’s famed thoroughfare, with races for participants from age 8 to 93. The event was held 28 years to the day after the first running, in 1981. Runners had support from crowds of local residents, tourists, and fans of the sport, who turned out to watch the NYRR Road Mile Championships and the professional races at the conclusion of the age-group events. |
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 The wall surrounding a pool in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art came in handy for pre-race stretching. |
 The tasteful awnings of Fifth Avenue apartment buildings were useful as well. |
 Why not look goofy for this race, the shortest road event on NYRR’s calendar? |
 As usual, the Rabbits Club was well represented. |
 The first race, for participants age 8-14, had hundreds of finishers. |
 In most divisions, men and women raced separately. |
 Before the start of the George Sheehan Memorial Mile, runners observed a moment of silence for longtime NYRR member Al Puma, who died in August. |
 A total of 3,793 runners in 15 divisions took part on a picture-perfect fall day. |
 The elegant buildings of Fifth Avenue served as a gorgeous backdrop. |
 The course starts near East 80th Street and finishes at East 60th Street. |
 The NYRR Road Mile Championships took place just before the professional contests. |
 There was enthusiastic support from the sidelines. |
 Alexander Garrett, 17, of Kew Gardens, NY, finished in 12:49 to rousing cheers. |
 Daniel Trush of New York City, the 2007 Avis We Try Harder Award winner, was timed in 17:26. |
 Many NYRR youth program runners were thrilled to dash down Fifth Avenue. |
 A record number of finishers for this event crossed the line. |
 Charles Jocelyn (center) ran 6:59 to edge George Chang (left), who finished in 7-flat. |
 William Benson (left), 90, of Valley Stream, NY, ran 11:36; Bob Matteson, 93, of Bennington, VT, was the event’s oldest finisher, in 12:32. |
 Sara Hall (right), whose Hall Steps Foundation supports NYRR youth programs, joined Young Runners post-race. |
 The winners received their awards from members of the Harlem Gazelles team. |
