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'End of an era'

Rock Hill Celebrate Life half marathon says goodbye

Patricio Robayo
Posted 3/17/23

ROCK HILL—After 20 years, the Celebrate Life Half Marathon and Lucia Rein Two People Relay said goodbye.

“It’s time,” said Myriam Loor, the founder and race director of the …

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'End of an era'

Rock Hill Celebrate Life half marathon says goodbye

Posted

ROCK HILL—After 20 years, the Celebrate Life Half Marathon and Lucia Rein Two People Relay said goodbye.

“It’s time,” said Myriam Loor, the founder and race director of the half-marathon.

She said that what soccer star Pele said was true: one should retire when they are on top.

“Celebrate Life Half Marathon is at a good place. It’s a race treasured by many. I want people to remember it as such. Besides, 20 years is a long time!”, Loor told the Democrat.

The half-marathon is more than just a race; it’s a gathering of people passionate about fighting cancer. Since its existence, it has raised over $1 million for cancer patients throughout the years.

“What has made me happy is standing at the finish line waiting for participants and seeing so much emotion on their faces. There’s joy; there’s sadness; there’s pride. They hug one another and smile. They wipe tears. They celebrate life,” said Loor.

Runners and walkers alike come together to raise funds that go directly to cancer patients and survivors in need.

The funds can be used for anything from mortgage payments to groceries.

Loor’s goal has always been to ensure that 100 percent of the proceeds from the race go directly to the patients and their families.

A cancer survivor herself, she started the race 20 years ago and never expected what the race has turned into—a premiere half-marathon for the region and Sullivan County.

“I never anticipated that the race would touch people the way it has. It has become meaningful. It really is more than a race. It’s an experience,” added Loor.

Runners and walkers from across the region and country descended to Rock Hill, NY on March 12, 2023—facing late winter snow and lag of daylight savings time—to race not only for cancer patients but for some, for themselves.

Many run to honor and memorialize a loved one who lost their battle with cancer.

As the runners made their way through the hilly terrain of Rock Hill, the sound of chants and cheers filled the air as the spectators of family and friends lined the sidelines.

The “Motivational Mile” is a powerful tribute to those who had lost their lives to the disease and those who continued to battle against it with signs at mile 1 and then again at mile 11.

Loor said she is not going anywhere and will remain in the community; I’ll be involved in the community but at a lesser level. Perhaps I can help other race directors organize their races.”

Run Results

Top Ten

1. Evan Waterton 1:13:33

2. Dan McGrath 1:15:50

3. John Pozo 1:19:27

4. Bryce Maopolski 1:23:20

5. James Gann 1:24:26

6. Christopher Irwin 1:24:58

7. Stephanie Gerland 1:25:24

8. Ken Campisi 1:25:26

9. Ricky Snyder 1:25:48

10. Justin Roselli 1:26:03

Female Open

7. Stephanie Gerland 1:25:24

25. Jennifer Schramm 1:32:12

30. Amanda Carroll 1:35:06

Female 16 and Under

1. Taylor Vogt 1:48:32

2. Diya Patel 2:04:58

3. Kaitlyn Morse 2:22:01

Female 17 to 19

1. Ryan Rodriguez 2:03:09

2. Skyler Blanton 2:18:20

Female 20 to 29

1. Nicole Winter 1:45:01

2. Diana Welch 1:47:13

3. Margaret Dembergh 1:51:26

Female 30 to 39

1. Julie Potter 1:41:32

2. Taylor Febus 1:41:41

3. Ellen McGrath 1:44:42

Female 40 to 49

1. Jennifer Nolan 1:38:49

2. Kristen Dams-O Connor 1:39:29

3. Jessica Dovico 1:44:57

Female 50 to 59

1. Kristen Vogt 1:42:02

2. Gina Contreras 1:45:26

3. Christine Varley 1:48:05

Female 60 to 69

1. Pat Mitrofanis 1:52:07

2. Jean Norton 1:52:39

3. Caroline Chant 1:59:31

Male 16 and Under

1. Joseph Mullan 1:35:43

2. Giovanni Gutierrez 2:03:34

3. Conor Hennessey 2:51:36

Male 17 to 19

1. Reece Maopolski 1:38:14

2. Robert Pape-Laucella 1:46:14

3. Gavin Tylenda 2:41:47

Male 20 to 29

1. Bryce Maopolski 1:23:20

2. William Estonh 1:32:09

3. Giacomo Ruckdeschel 1:54:45

Male 30 to 39

1. Matthew Grabina 1:27:54

2. Evan Stankunas 1:28:38

3. Mark Whalen 1:28:40

Male 40 to 49

1. Christopher Irwin 1:24:58

2. Ken Campisi 1:25:26

3. Justin Roselli 1:26:03

Male 50 to 59

1. James Gann 1:24:26

2. Ricky Snyder 1:25:48

3. Peter Verdesi 1:29:30

Male 60 to 69

1. Franz Scholten 1:45:35

2. Bobby Logan 1:54:45

3. Gordon Dean 1:56:49

Male 70 and Over

1. Michael Nusblat 2:06:33

2. Edward Leydon 2:07:59

3. Mike Merriman 2:14:45

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