PIT RUN – Line-up at 10:25 a.m. Run in 28th annual Pit run established to support the “The Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc” provided scholarships to Oneonta High School students continuing their educations. Even features at 10K, 5K, 2 mile walk, a virtual 100K challenge, a fun run for the children, and a post race BBQ catered by Brooks. Cost, $33 for the 10K. See website for details. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. 607-432-8068 or visit runsignup.com/Race/NY/Oneonta/PitRun
ONEONTA — Rain had just started to drizzle in Neahwa Park, Sunday, Oct. 3, as the start of the annual Pit Run was set to begin.
But some of the runners said they were thankful for the rain as it cooled things down, making it easier for them.
There was a diverse group of runners who came from seven states other than New York, including California, Maine, New Hampshire and Virginia.
Brian Reis, 32, a Cooperstown native*, came in first place for the men’s 10K and called it a “dress rehearsal” for the Boston marathon, which he is set to run Monday, Oct. 11.
Since the first race in 1994, it has never once rained on the day of the annual Pit Run, and that track record continued today as Mike Rubino, Bob Scanlon, Eric Michelitsch, and Nancy Scanlon joined Deb and Sid Parisian this morning in Neahwa Park to honor fallen Trooper Ricky J. Parisian at the traditional finish line for the annual PIT Run, which is being held virtually throughout October. A few racers did come down to the park to run the 5 and 10K courses, including family friend Don Guinta, who was “first” to cross the finish line with a time of 36:29. New this year is the 100K challenge, where runners and walkers can add up their daily totals to try and reach a 62 mile goal. Registrations are open through Oct. 15. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Deb and Sid Parisian stand next to the banner for the 27th annual PIT Run, which has gone virtual for the entire month of October. The race officially kicked off yesterday, but racers can still sign up individually or with a team to pool their totals and hit the 100K challenge. While Race Day – locally known as “The Best Day in Oneonta” – will not be taking place this year, the Parisians have already heard that there will people in Neahwa Park on Sunday, walking and running the course. “Runners can see their cumulative results daily online.” said Sid. “While there are no prizes, awards will still be given and mailed out at the end of the month to the participants.” (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
This year’s annual Pit Run will be held virtually throughout October. Here, Sid Parisian prepares to start runners in the 26th annual “Pit” Run at Main and River streets. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
ONEONTA – This year, Sid Parisian says, any day in October can be Race Day.
The 27th annual Pit Run, known as “The Best Day in Oneonta,” has gone virtual, allowing racers to run the 5 or 10K any day in October, along any course of their choosing.
“When we first started talking about this year’s race, we were hoping everything would have calmed down,” he said. “But it’s not safe, so holding it virtually will allow people to continue their streak, or get new people involved.”
The race commemorates Ricky J. “Pit” Parisian, the State Police Investigator who was killed in 1994 as he tried to stop a robbery.
It may have been cloudy, but the record of it never raining on race day still stands, as 652 runners turned out today to partake in the 26th annual PIT Run 5K and 10K Run in remembrance of Ricky J. “Pit” Parisian, a state trooper who lost his life while stopping an armed robbery in 1994 on Southside Oneonta. Above, Janice Bettiol, Otego, waves amidst throngs of runners that include Aubry Microni, Oneonta, Rodney Watson, Oneonta, Wyatt Jones, Unadilla, John Rowley, Houghton, Rebecca Rowley, Houghton, Dean Reed, Unadilla, Hales Pink, Oneonta, Cody Losie, Oneonta, and Jenna Rose Dilello, Oneonta. At right, Oneonta’s Michael Hamilton crosses the finish line with a time of 35:32. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
PIT RUN – 10:45 a.m. Run or walk 6.2 miles through scenic Oneonta, passing through SUNY Oneonta campus, ending at Neahwa Park. Also includes 5k race, 2 mile stroll, or kids fun run. In memory of Ricky J. “Pit” Parisian NYS Police Investigator killed in Line of Duty. Start at Main Street Bridge, Oneonta. 607-432-8068 or visit pitrun.org
State Troopers Jared Porter and Matthew Strobeck, both with Troop C, stand and salute during the National Anthem with the runners of the 25th annual PIT run in Oneonta this morning. The race is held annually in remembrance of fallen State Trooper Ricky J. “Pit” Parisian, a state trooper who lost his life while stopping an armed robbery in 1994. At right, Ricky’s brother Sid Parisian waves as he takes off on the first leg of the race with friend David Weaver, Oneonta, on left, and wife Deb, and Alison Alkins, right, Morris, take off from the starting line. Girma Gebre of New York City took first in the 10K with a time of 31:03, while Dylan Davi took first in the 5K with a time of 20:16. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
FESTIVAL OF COLORS – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 24th annual quilt show features works by area quilting clubs Fenimore quilt club, “Winter Wonderland” quilt guild, “It’s A Mystery” ladies of sew nice. Includes demonstrations of various quilting skills. See 250+ examples of fine quilts, support historic, Tudor style inn. Admission, $5 donation. The Major’s Inn, 104 Marion Ave., Gilbertsville. 607-783-2967 or visit www.themajorsinn.com
PIT RUN – 10:45 a.m. Run a 10K,5K, 2 mile stroll, or sign up for virtual pit run. In memory of Ricky J. Parisian. Start at Neahwa Park, Oneonta. 607-432-8068 or visit www.facebook.com/ThePitRun
As runners made their way to the starting line, temperatures in the 30s rose and gave way to clear skies and perfect running weather as hundreds took to the streets of Oneonta in the 24th annual PIT run. Above, runners take off down Main Street with SUNY student Austin Carr, Guilford, out in front. He is followed by Devon Iezzoni, Huntington, Michael Savello Jr., King’s Park, Austin Gross, Patchogue, Cameron Hanwright, Center Moriches, Mike Smith, Smithtown, Christopher Johnson, Oneonta, Christian Smith, Oneonta, Michael Muldoon, Mahopac, and Andrew Desousa, Smithtown. At right, Oneonta’s Michael Roda crosses the finish line of the 5K with a first place time of 16:30. (Ian Autin/AllOTSEGO.com)
PIT RUN – 10:25 a.m. Participate in the most challenging 10K course in our area with runners from across NYS. Try the 5K, or the 2-Mile stroll if you prefer shorter distances. Enjoy a BBQ picnic, games, activities, live music after the races. Fee, $30. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Call (607) 432-8068 or visit www.pitrun.org
FILM CLASS – 5 p.m. View “Heat of the Night.” Followed by discussion with the group. All welcome, just show up. Cooperstown Graduate Program, 5838 St. Rt 80, Cooperstown. Call (607) 547-2586.
Among the 1,000 participants in today’s 23rd annual Pit Run in Oneonta included, from left, Nicole Vanhoesen, Elbridge, near Syracuse, and members of the SUNY Oneonta Wrestling team James Bethel, Andrew Werther, Dakota Inman and Nicholas Heck, who take off beneath the American flag at at the Main Street viaduct. Also pictured are Robb Munro, Delhi, and Ryan Keator, Delhi. The race is held in remembrance of fallen State Trooper Ricky Parisian, and also marks the end of OHS Alumni Weekend. A special dedication of the Inspirational Mile of the race was made in the memory of Rich Murphy. The 10K winner was Figadu Teteri, an Ethiopian runner now living in New York City. The 5K winner was Keith Toombs of Oneonta. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
For the first time in several years, an Oneontan has won the Pit Run 10K. Matthew Pohren, seen here moments after crossing the finish line with a time of 34:19, is congratulated by State Trooper Tim McQuaid, Binghamton, who was the pacer vehicle for the race. Nearly 900 participants took place in the 22nd Annual Pit Run in remembrance of Ricky J. “Pit” Parisian, a state trooper who lost his life while stopping an armed robbery in 1994.(Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
There was perfect running weather for the 1875 runners from all over the country turned out for the 21st annual PIT Run on Sunday morning. The event, held in remembrance of State Trooper Ricky Parisian, ushered in the end of OHS Alumni Weekend. Scott Gleason, Walton, who came in fourth, was the first local runner to cross the finish line in the 10K; Oneonta’s Celia Alerio, 25th overall, was the first local women. Review results. (Ian Austin/allotsego.com)
