Fast Feet at the Rock the River 5K!

On Sunday, September 22, Fast Feet NYC crossed the George Washington Bridge to race the Palisades Park Conservancy’s Rock the River 5K! We had three youth runners competing in the 5K race, Angel (age 13), Jeremy (age 15), and Roldy (age 6). Angel, Roldy, and Jeremy came to Fort Lee, NJ ready to run hard and compete. With a plan to run with Fast Feet’s Founder, Suzie Clinchy, for the first mile of the race, both Angel and Jeremy went out hard with the lead pack in seven minute mile pace. Jeremy, Angel, and Roldy continued to push themselves for the remaining 2.1 miles, supported in the race by their family members and Fast Feet Board Member and volunteer, Dan Bradley. Suzie went on to finish second overall.

Jeremy out fast in the first 800 meters of the race!

After the runners came across the finish line with furious kicks, we ran over to the results table and saw that Jeremy placed first in his age group (15 - 19 year olds), Roldy placed first in his age group (9&Under), and Angel placed second in his division (10 - 14 year olds)! With excited shouts, fist pumps, high fives, and exclamations of feeling pride in oneself, our athletes anxiously awaited the awards ceremony where they each went on to receive recognition, applause, and an age group prize.

Roldy, age 6, finishing his incredible race!

It was a triumphant moment for our athletes, who have been training hard together for months. Angel and Jeremy proved they could be competitive on the road racing scene, regardless of whether or not they have a developmental difference. We can’t wait to see what these two and the rest of Team Fast Feet accomplishes next!

Fast Feet runners with their age group prizes!

Angel, age 13, receiving his second place award for the 10 - 14 year old age group.

Jeremy receiving his award for his first place finish in the 15 - 19 year old age division.