Bravo to another successful run

BRAVO volunteers and supporters put their best food forward, this past Saturday, taking to the streets during BRAVO Volunteer Ambulance’s fifth annual “Keep BRAVO Running 5K”. The runners traveled along Shore Road Recreation Path, starting and ending at Cannonball Park.

Since BRAVO is a completely free service, the organization relies on community donations for covering their annual cost of operation, which totals more than $250,000.

Michelle Harrison, race coordinator, said she had striven for another year of success. Her goals were met when the run drew in over 100 competitors, despite rainy weather.

Angel Confessor won first place in the male category, with Jose Davila and Jacinto Martinez coming in close behind. Sabrina Porter emerged victorious in the female category, followed by Karen Marmon and Vicki Bashy.

Most importantly, “It was a wonderful race, and the runners had a great time,” said Harrison. In total, the run raised over $7,000.

“I find that runners are some of the most supportive people you will find; they really delivered in helping out BRAVO’s cause, Harrison said.

Maimonides Medical Center; Pharmacy on Fifth; the Law Offices of Stephen A. Harrison; Drs. Santo and Gary Fiasconaro; Steven Maffei, Esq.; Bagel Boy; JJ Bubbles; the Shore Road Striders; the Kenneth G. Dolan Memorial Fund; Councilmember Vincent Gentile, and the fund “In Memory of Helen Sokoloski” were among the sponsors of the event.

Skechers awarded the top three male and female winners with sneakers. The top runners in the 10-year-old age group also won medals. Following the race was an awards ceremony in the park, with water, snacks and raffles.

Over its history, BRAVO has been the embodiment of professionalism, dedication and community service. Its services have been utilized in catastrophes such as the plane crash at Kennedy Airport in 1977, the Century 21 collapse in 1990, and the World Trade Center Bombing in 1993, as well as the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.

BRAVO volunteers also keep watch over events like the New York City Marathon, and the Third and Fifth Avenue festivals.