Rockaway Runs to Catch a Cure
Story and Photos
By Katie McFadden
It was a beautiful morning for a run for a good cause. The 6th Annual Catch a Cure was another success.
On Sunday, October 6, more than 100 people took to the boardwalk at Beach 116th Street to run or walk in memory and in honor of those affected by cancer. There was such a good turnout for the event this year, that t-shirts ran out, showing how much cancer impacts the lives of local families, and how much they’re willing to show up to support finding a cure so others don’t have to suffer.
This year’s Catch a Cure was in memory of Yvette Conroy of Rockaway, who died in September 2021, Dr. Thomas DiMaria of Breezy Point, who died in November 2023, and Renee Knapp of Broad Channel, who died in January of this year. It was run in honor of Marie Rudolph of Rockaway, Debbie O’Connor of Broad Channel and Rita Gibson of Breezy Point, who just passed away on September 12, after she was announced as an honoree.
Many walked during the 5K but others enjoyed the race aspect. The top male was Ryan Hoffman coming in at 22:59. The top female was Jenna Hoffman, coming in at 25:10. Justin Flanagan and Timmy Crowley rounded out the top three. Lauren Perrone and Kathleen Baumann were the second and third females.
For more information about Catch a Cure, reach out to: catchacurerbny@gmail.com or follow Catch a Cure on Facebook and Instagram.
