NYRR Al Gordon Classic (4M)

February 28, 2009

This year’s NYRR Al Gordon Classic was the first without its namesake. Longtime NYRR board member and generous benefactor Albert H. Gordon was present in the memories of his many relatives and friends who participated; the Wall Street financier and lifetime athlete died on May 1, 2009, at the age of 107. Gordon’s daughter, son, son-in-law, grandson, and two granddaughters, all athletes, attended the race in a snow-covered Prospect Park, Brooklyn, to honor Gordon’s credo of staying involved and active at any age. The event, which had 3,686 finishers, was an opportunity for camaraderie and competition—things that Al Gordon appreciated for more than a century. [Results]

This participant’s prerace warm-up in the snow was enlivened by the red-hot race T-shirt.
Left to right: Al Gordon’s son John, John’s daughter China Gordon, Al’s grandson John Roberts, Al’s daughter Mary Roberts, and her husband Don Roberts.
NYRR Chairman of the Board George Hirsch, a longtime friend of Al Gordon, spoke before the race—and before running 31:09 for four miles at age 75.
John Roberts, Al Gordon’s grandson, is the president of the Central Park Track Club and has run 14:48 for 5000 meters. He spoke before the start about his grandfather’s simple message: “Keep moving.”
And away they go! As usual, front-of-the-packers care too much about traveling light to bother with much cold-weather gear.
This 11-year-old completed an effortless-looking four miles.
Cold weather has never stopped New York City’s runners, and the 1,936 men and 1750 women finishers here proved that point yet again.
Lisa Teague of NYC sported a variety of colorful winter-weather accoutrements.
These three 10-year-old friends clearly enjoyed the teamwork aspect of racing.
Al Gordon’s daughter Mary Roberts (center), and her children Martha and John Roberts, held the finish tape.
The men’s winner was Jeffrey Rios of the Manhattan Track Club, who ran 19:52—four sub-five-minute miles.
Buzunesh Deba of the West Side Runners Track Club won the women’s race in 22:07—a 5:31 pace.
The smooth flow of runners against the pristine backdrop made a beautiful winter scene.
Many of the “wannabes” seem to have become the “really-ares” out on the course.
Atsuko Maruyama Minuti was pleased with her 34:06 finish.
Post-race bagels and apples were well deserved.
Finishers and supporters—equally enthusiastic.
And now for the second event in the Nordic Combined competition!