Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Civic Association. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

(December 1, 2023-, 2023 – Pelham, NY) According to Pelham Civic Association Board Member and 2023 Race Organizer Todd Cross, “Pelham is a small town with a big heart!”. And so the tradition continues: On Saturday November 25th,  793 runners crossed the finishing line at the annual Pelham Civic Pelham Half Marathon and 10K – a race organized for families, enthusiasts, and competitive runners alike with 100% of net proceeds benefitting the Pelham Civic Association –  the volunteer, charitable organization dedicated to promoting civic involvement and assisting youth, families, students, elderly, financially needy and mentally and physically members of our community.

Cross continued, “This is an all-time record number of runners for this event which began in 2012. 324 registered runners came from Pelham. Others came from all over the Tri-state NYC metro region plus 16 different states across the US. International contingent included 2 runners from São Paulo Brazil, 2 from Sweden, and 2 from England. We’re also proud to say that our Half Marathon course is officially certified with USA Track & Field.”

Pelham Civic President Mike Ming added, “The Civics were thrilled to host this event and be the beneficiary of everyone’s hard work, participation and generosity. It was an honor to collaborate with valued members of our community, especially on Small Business Saturday. It was a remarkable feat, as Pelham Civic members Race Director Jim Arden, and Race Organizer Todd Cross and their Race Committee deserve an enormous amount of credit!”

Jim Arden, who picked up the ball and spearheaded this year’s race as Director, continued, “Bringing back a race last run in 2019 no doubt presented a challenge to renew relationships with the town, the villages, sponsors and running clubs in the area.  The Race Committee was inspired by the enthusiasm and encouraged by both runners and the Pelham community who embraced the mission of the event.”

Perhaps the success of the event was best summarized by its Founder and Race Director Emeritus Jason Jeffries,” From its humble beginnings on my front lawn to the thriving community event it is today, the Pelham Half Marathon epitomizes the civic power of our community’s collective spirit, growing beyond the initial effort of nine runners who self-organized a 13.1 route in our two square mile town in 2012 to what is now a cherished tradition that we are proud to see unite and energize our town each year.”

The tireless committee has already begun planning for next year, so “Save-The-Date”: Saturday November 30, 2024

For more information on you can support the Pelham Civics in all of their community programs throughout the year, please visit pelhamcivics.org. Thank you!

Notes of Interest:

The 2023 Race Committee:

Jim Arden, Race Director

Jason Jeffries, Founder and Race Director Emeritus

Todd Cross, Race Organizer

Sandy Dewar, Civics Member

John Elliott, Volunteer

Patrick Bane, Volunteer

Photos:

Visit our gallery of photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/ML7t188aFPxbtcJ66

Photo credits go to Cristina Stefanizzi of Pelham who is a PMHS graduate and student photographer for Fordham Athletics.

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