STATEN ISLAND, NY — More than 245 participants gathered at Wolfe’s Pond Park on Oct. 5 for the third annual CrimsonRise Waterfront Run/Walk/Roll for Autism, marking another record-breaking year for Staten Island’s most inclusive athletic event.
The event drew more than 70 runners and 175 walkers to celebrate community inclusion and autism awareness. Participants included runners, walkers, wheelchair users and individuals of varying abilities competing side by side in both 5K and one-mile distances.
Borough President Vito Fossella attended the event and commended CrimsonRise for demonstrating that “nonspeaking does not mean nonthinking.” He recognized the organization’s work promoting inclusion, accessibility and communication access for individuals with disabilities.
The race honored three community leaders: the late Nicholas D’Amora, a CrimsonRise cofounder and organ donor who changed perceptions about nonspeaking individuals; David Panza, president of the Staten Island Athletic Club, for his dedication to the Island’s running community; and Stephanie Debes, disability rights activist and founder of Makeup on Wheels, for her accessibility advocacy.
More than 245 participants of varying abilities gathered at Wolfe’s Pond Park for Staten Island’s inclusive event that featured 5K and one-mile distances.Staff-Shot
Dominic Palermo of Staten Island won the men’s 5K with a time of 16:21.60, followed by Adrian Cabnal of Brooklyn at 16:27.60 and Leonel Perez of Brooklyn at 17:23.40. Erica Adler of Edison took first place among women with a time of 23:44.20, ahead of Staten Islanders Aleigha Cinque at 27:53.30 and Patricia O’Brien at 29:18.40.
A notable participant was Max Asofsky, a nonspeaking autistic individual who uses spelling to communicate, completing the 5K in 40:20.00. His participation drew cheers from spectators and embodied the event’s inclusive mission.
Achilles International athletes, including visually impaired and hearing impaired runners competing with guides, also participated in the race. The event featured volunteers from multiple organizations including the Staten Island Athletic Club, Port Richmond Community Emergency Response Team, New York Center for Interpersonal Development, St. Joseph Hill and St. Joseph by-the-Sea.
“This event continues to grow because of the heart of this community,” said Lakshmi Rao Sankar, executive director of CrimsonRise. “Every year, we see runners, walkers, families, and organizations come together — not just to race, but to stand for inclusion and communication rights for all.”
The organization also welcomed Tyler and Trevor Mason, autistic advocates who traveled from Carmel, New York, to participate in what organizers called “our celebration of communication as a human right.”
CrimsonRise, founded in 2021, provides communication access through Spelling to Communicate for nonspeaking individuals. The organization will host its next event, Paws for Autism, on April 19, 2026, at Wolfe’s Pond Park.
This community news was shared by the organization featured. AI was used in an initial story draft and has been reviewed by Advance/SILive.com staff.
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