The most tragic day in New York City history is approaching its 10th anniversary, and the 49th Precinct is making sure they honor it in the biggest way yet.
Every year since 2002, the 49th Precinct has held a mini neighborhood marathon on Pelham Parkway South in honor of former precinct Lt. Tom Clesse, who passed away from cancer in July of that year.
The run, which begins on the corner of Pelham Parkway South and Eastchester Road, goes down to White Plains Road and turns back around to Eastchester Road, also incorporates the memory of those who tragically lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
This September marks the 10th anniversary that thousands of police officers, firefighters and other innocent people who tragically lost their lives, and on Sunday, May 1, Osama Bin Laden, the man responsible for the terrorist attacks, was killed in Pakistan by American Troops during a mission launched by President Barack Obama.
Officer Victor DiPierro was ecstatic at the news and the 49th Precinct is already planning to make this the biggest run they have had.
“The run has always been for a great cause, but this year marks already 10 years since that horrible day and we want to do something very special,” said DiPierro. “Every year our turnout for the run grows larger, and although we cannot bring those back who lost their lives, it brings a great sense of pride and closure knowing that we caught the man responsible for that tragic day.”
Kids are welcomed to join for free but for anyone 13-years or older, the registration for the run costs $20. The money from the participants, as well as donations from other groups and businesses in the community, is donated to the Widows and Orphans of Fallen Police Officers Fund.
The run began in 2002 with approximately 40 people and grew to around 100 participants last year. Included with the marathon is a lunch for runners and contributors and this year, a special and larger gathering is planned to take place on the roof of The Pine Bar and Grill on 1634 Eastchester Road.
The Law Enforcement Explorers of the 49th Precinct will open the race on Saturday, September 10 with a rendition of the National Anthem, and American Flags and pins will be distributed to everyone who joins the run.
The “Lt. Clesse 5K Run Commemorating 9/11” began under the guidance of 49th Precinct Community Council president Joe Thompson and he hopes to double the amount of runners this year.
According to Thompson, the council will soon be contacting all community associations and boards within the precinct’s district and ask to send representatives from each to participate in the upcoming mini-marathon.
“Not only do we celebrate the memory of former Lt. Clesse, but the memory of September 11, 2001, and now that it will be the 10th anniversary of the attacks,” Thompson said. “We invite all community associations and businesses to join us because the money raised certainly helps those who lost their loved ones.”
