STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — While Staten Island’s been hard hit during this winter season, runners can take solace knowing within a few weeks the local road race season will open with two long-time traditional events.
The 33rd annual Forest Avenue Mile, hosted by the Staten Island Athletic Club and named in memory of longtime runner Mark Vogt, will once again lead off the annual local St. Patrick’s Day Parade. That’ll take place on Sunday, March 1. Race time is 11 am.
The Staten Island AC will also host its annual St. Patrick’s 5K run, which will be taking place at Wolfes Pond park on March 21 beginning at 10 a.m.
Go to https://www.siathleticclub.com/events to register for both events.
Chris Calimano stuns again
Chris Calimano, the long-time local runner of all distances, has done it again.
Conquering unbelievable conditions, Calimano participated in the 22nd running of the Arrowhead Ultra 135. In one of the world’s most brutal winter ultra-endurance races, the 135-mile course follows the Arrowhead State Trail from International Falls, Minnesota — known as the Icebox of the Nation — to Tower, Minnesota. With a 60-hour cutoff, three checkpoints at miles 35 and 72, a water-only stop at mile 110, and a historical finisher rate of under 50 percent.
Defying the challenges, Calimano completed the course on foot in 55 hours,12 minutes.
Longtime Staten Island Ultra Runner Chris Calimano.Staten Island Running Association
“Race temperatures started at −26°F and never rose above freezing,“ said Calimano ”The coldest stretch came at mile 71 during an exposed lake crossing, where unblocked wind pushed wind chills to −50°F and at one point, my eyes froze shut!”
With the arctic temperatures, Calimano also struggled with frozen gels, wipes and water bottles and his sled—carrying a 50-pound mandatory gear bag—was warped during travel and dragged heavily through the snow, acting like a brake. There were also numerous hours of just running out in the loneliness of the surroundings.
In a great show of sportsmanship and camaraderie, another runner who dropped from the race loaned Calimano his sled.
“The sled bore the name of the runner’s niece, MacKenzie, a 24-year-old undergoing chemotherapy, with the wish that the sled would cross the finish line — adding emotional weight to the miles ahead,” said Calimano.
Mission accomplished for Chris Calimano!Staten Island Running Association
Calimano finally crossed the finish line in one of America’s coldest cities.
“Arrowhead isn’t about racing others,” said Calimano. “It’s about surviving the environment, solving problems alone, and earning every mile.”
Congratulations To Lisa Swan
At last weekend’s New York Road Runners annual gala, Lisa Swan was honored with the annual “Ted Corbitt Dedicated Athlete of the Year Award” for having run in the most NYRR races in 2025.
Staten Island resident Lisa Swan has been honored by the New York Road Runners Club.Lisa Swan
The monthly trivia contest sponsored by ASICS & JAMBAR
Please submit your answer to my email below. All correct answers will then be put into a lot where two winners will be drawn randomly. One winner receives a pair of ASICS running shoes and the second a free 12 Bar Variety box of JAMBAR energy bars.
Congrats to last month’s winners: Joseph Quinn (ASICS) and Al Garcia (Jambar).
This month’s question
Can you name one runner — male of female — who has won the annual SIAC St. Patrick’s 5K run since the inception of the event in 1993?
Questions, comments, upcoming news? Please feel free to email Jeff at rbenja726@aol.com