Over 500 Runners Participate in the 55th Annual 15K & 4 Mile Run
On Sunday, April 6th over 500 runners took their marks to participate in Scarsdale’s 55th Annual 15 Kilometer and 4 Mile Road Races. The races were organized by the Village’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Superintendent Brian Gray was extremely happy with the turn out and smooth running of the races by his staff and community volunteers as well as the Scarsdale Police Department, Scarsdale Fire Department, Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corp and Scarsdale Department of Public Works, who all worked in various roles to support this event.
Mr. Gray commented: “as I left my house it was pouring rain and I was questioning whether or not runners would turn 
up. Thankfully, as I arrived in Scarsdale and was doing my pre-course drive-through, the rain slowed and temps rose to optimal conditions for running. After reflecting on Sunday’s event, I look back on the 18 years I have been the Race Director of the Annual Road Races. One of the most satisfying things to witness is the community support of residents cheering runners on with handmade signs and banners, and in a few cases, setting up water stops for runners along the course.”
The weather outside was a cool 45 degrees and overcast. The air was a bit damp but besides that the conditions for the races were ideal. This year, there were a total of 597 registrations with 521 (87%) showing. This is up slightly from last year with 588 registrations and 487 (83%) showing. There was a healthy spread of veterans and newcomers. I spoke with participants as they got ready for the race, collected their numbers, and grabbed water or a snack. Many indicated that they have been participating in this particular race for years while others said it was their first road race ever. Some were serious runners and others were simply there for a “fun run” and admitted to walking hills if that is what it took to finish.
At a little before 9:15am, at the corner of Harcourt and Hampton Roads, the 4 Mile registered runners of all ages— including parents pushing their children in jogger strollers— lined up to start the race. Instructions and well wishes were given to the runners over a microphone by a Scarsdale Park, Recreation and 
Conservation representative. The air horn sounded and they were off.
At this time, the 15K runners were making their way to their race starting line, just feet away from the entrance to the high school on Brewster Road. Announcements on the course layout supported by lawn signs and finish line were given as well as a quick address from Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest. Right before the air horn blew at 9:30am, a PRC representative gave a final call to be careful of possible wet patches even though the streets had been cleaned by the town and therefore they should “run their personal best; it is perfect weather for it!”.
Runners in both races ran loops marked with lawn signs indicating race directions in the Fox Meadow and Greenacres neighborhoods with hills and flats scattered throughout the courses. Police blocked the race roads from traffic to ensure the safety of the participants and a police motorcycle escorted the last runners. Water tables were set up along the course manned by volunteers and PRC representatives.
In twenty two minutes thirty four seconds, with spectators cheering him on, Randolfo Portillo of Mount Kisco was the first runner of the 4 Mile Race to cross the finish line set up a little more than halfway around the Scarsdale High School track. Cheers continued from friends and family members as participants ran across the finish line for the next 55 minutes. Runners made their way into the high school circle. The Scarsdale Fire Department had set up a ladder truck bearing a gigantic American flag. Participants ran under the flag on their way to the last stretch of the course around 2/3 of the track with the finish line set up by the bleachers. With most of the 4 Mile runners through, the crowd roared for Jared Fayer, a Scarsdale resident, who finished first in the 15K race with an impressive time of 56 minutes and 55 seconds.
Names and times of all winners in each category for each race are listed in the tables below. Congratulations to all the participants and workers of the event. You are all winners!
