The track award was placed on view there after Commissioner Michael P. Jacobson officially accepted it for formal display from Department of Correction Running Club officers.

They explained that the trophy signifies the top honors that club runners earned as a team in the Roberto Clemente State Park 10 Kilometer (6.2 miles) on August 18th. The event in the Bronx park involved more than 500 participants from state and local government affiliated clubs as well as business corporation teams.

It was the first time that the DOC Club members ran as a team. Previously, Correction runners entered individual races wearing DOC colors but never a group competition.

"To win first place anytime is impressive, but to win it the first time out as a team is truly an outstanding accomplishment," the Commissioner said as he accepted the trophy for display. "I congratulate club members."

Among those who participated in the Clemente competition were COs James Simmon, West Facility; Karen Snyder, Capital Procurement; Iran Colon, Fire/Safety; and David Candelaria and Daniel Cordova, both BHPW. Club President Colon notes the DOC team, first organized last year, welcomes women and race-walkers, adding that C.O. Synder will be running in her first New York City marathon.

Also ahead: some members plan a trip at their own expense to run in events in Puerto Rico. "We will carry DOC colors across the seas with honor," he declared.

The first-place-finish-first-time-out was no fluke. Since then the team has won other races, including the city agencies' cross-country and the 104th Street Hope Community Run.

For what is reported as “the first time ever,” the Francis R. Buono Memorial Bridge was part of the Rikers 5K Challenge Run. The 3.1-mile event started on the Queens side at 9 A.M. when Commissioner Jacobson gave the countdown after commending the runners' dedication in the face of steady rain and heavy winds.

The finish line was in front of the GRVC. The DOC Running Club sponsored the foot race open to all DOC employees, city agency runners, running clubs, individuals and groups.

Awards went to male and female runners in the various gender and age categories: the first three teams, the first male runner overall, the first female runner overall, and, among DOCers, the top males and top females also received awards.

This NYCHS "look-back" marking the Rikers Romp's 25th anniversary is presented in conjunction with the DOC Running Club's 7th Annual Rikers Island Challenge Run May 1, 2004.

ARDC CO Michael Crowe, DOC Running Club member, posted the best finishing time among correction competitors: 16 minutes and 19 seconds, just 15 seconds behind the overall first placer, Alan Wells, a local banker. CO Crowe also took top honors in the 30-39 male age category.

Club civilian member, Anibal Rivera, brother to CIFM CO Victor Rivera, placed third overall with 16:50. He topped the 40-49 male category. Placing second among male DOCers was West Facility CO James Simmons (19:07); third was CO Samuel Martinez (19:25).

Among female runners, non-DOCer Luann Mestre of the Hellgate Road Runners Club, came in first with 21:12. Among female employees, Range CO Margaret Calvello came in first with 24 minutes 19 seconds. She also was first in the 30-39 year female age category. ADW Jane Gibson, executive officer with Security Operations, placed second among female DOCers, having a time of 28:16.

Among running clubs, the outcome was: Van Courtlant Track Club, first; Hellgate Road Runners, second; Los Comadres Runners, third.