American Heart Association Start! Wall Street Run & Heart Walk

Despite the wet conditions, runners dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the American Heart Association were all smiles before the start of the AHA Start! Wall Street Run & Heart Walk.

Members of New York’s Finest turned up to support the cause. Crystal Simmons (left) of the NYPD and Queens posed for a pre-race photo with Susan Singh of Brooklyn.

The Wall Street Run is the only NYRR race that weaves through the narrow streets of downtown. Runners stretch alongside street barricades.

Brooklynites Jimena Barrera (left) and John Nickles of the Prospect Park Track Club kept the pre-race mood light.

And they’re off! The three-mile course takes participants on a mini tour of the financial district and includes sights such as Ground Zero and Battery Park.

Runners swap business suits for athletic gear and tear (or meander) through the streets.

Although the pre-race rain kept some people away, more than 4,300 participants completed the race.

Runners took the rare opportunity to race past historic sites such as Trinity Church.

Corporate challenge winner Merrill Lynch got their name engraved on the AHA’s Corporate Cup. Goldman, Sachs and Co. were the runners-up and Deloitte and Touche took third.

Gina Halkias of Manhattan was prepared for rain or shine. Her raincoat ended up being unnecessary.

Tejada Carmen of Yonkers made sure to enjoy the race—she finished in just over 48:00.

Karen Lee of West New York, NJ, averaged an 11-minute-per-mile pace to finish in 33:05.

Enthusiastic health walkers embraced the message of the AHA’s Start! Campaign: To create physical activity habits for the sake of living longer, healthier lives.

These ladies proudly displayed AHA’s message over their hearts.

A loyal show of support for a worthy cause.

Henry Tong of Union City, NJ, celebrated his 20:23 finish; Jodi Skriloff of Armonk, NY, crossed the line in 21:40.

The skyscrapers that define the skyline of lower Manhattan made for a picturesque finale.

The final meters of the race are run along the Hudson River just north of Battery Park.

Ben Reynolds of Merrill Lynch and Jersey City, NJ, broke the tape in a swift 15:36.

Also from Merrill Lynch, Gretchen Grindle took the top spot for women in 17:11.