Bravo to these big-hearted runners

The fourth annual “Keep BRAVO Running 5K” took place on Sunday May 20 on the Shore Road Recreational Path.

“It was the biggest turnout, with the most runners we ever had,” said Michelle Harrison, co-director of the 5K, referring to the 185 runners who participated.

The race began at 10 a.m., with neighborhood runners participating, as well as about 20 to 30 volunteers who handed out water bottles and helped out with the registration process.

Bravo Volunteer Ambulance is an all-volunteer organization; not a single member gets paid for the work that he or she does. In addition, there is no charge for the service Bravo provides.

The volunteers come from all walks of life. They are teachers, students, dentists, doctors, lawyers, reporters, janitors and PAs who all share one desire: to serve their Bay Ridge community.

Bravo is entirely supported by donations. Some of the sponsors present at the race included representatives of Lutheran Hospital, Maimonides Hospital and Sketchers, and attorney and Community Board 10 member, Stephen Harrison.

The race raised $10,000, a sum that will keep BRAVO running on in future years, according to Michelle Harrison.

Angel Confesor came in first, in 16:58, followed by Paul Willis, who completed the course in 17: 13. Jacinto Martinez came in third, with a time of 18:40. The first place female finisher was Laurie Barowski, who finished in 20:53, followed by Ann Vasquez with a time of 21:25 and Erin Wilson, who finished in 21:36.

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