Reposted with permission from the Staten Island Advance:
https://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/06/lewis_kraker_win_2nd_annual_ss.html
The spirit of patriotism was in the air as New Dorp’s typically busy streets were filled early Sunday with nearly 1,000 runners, walkers and supporters for the Second Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5k Run/walk.
The NYPD, FDNY, U.S. Armed forces and local politicians were also on hand as they honored Ollis, the New Dorp-raised Army veteran whose life was cut short five years ago at the age of 24 while shielding a wounded Polish soldier from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.
Assemblyman Ron Castorina, who was among the dignitaries, perhaps said it best as he cited John 15:13 which reads, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The passage, he said, embodied Ollis’ selflessness and sacrifice.
As for the race, former Monsignor Farrell and Villanova University star Dan Lewis emerged victorious in the men’s portion for the second straight year, clocking in at 16 minutes, 56.1 seconds. Lewis, a childhood friend of Ollis who now hails from Flourtown, Pa., said he loved the atmosphere.
“There’s tons of energy in the crowd, it definitely pushed me,” described Lewis. “I used to run these streets when I was in high school so to see it transformed into a great event to honor a hero is a really cool thing.”
10th Mtn Soldiers participating in the 2nd Annual SSG Michael Ollis Foundation 5k.
The women’s race winner, Melissa Kraker, also shared a connection to the Ollis family.
Working for the NYC Parks Department at the Ocean Breeze Track complex, Kraker came in contact with Michael’s parents, Linda and Bob, who were members.
“They are the most kind, generous and sincere people,” said Kraker. “Michael’s spirit really lives through them and this is a great tribute. I felt the love through this community and it carried me through the race today.”
Sixteen-year-old Farrell sophomore Paul Sicolnolfi took second overall in 17:24.0. Forty-year-old road-racing mainstay Jose Davilafinished third in 17:44.1.
New mother Isabelle Cammayo took second in the women’s competition in 20:23.1 while Juliette Goulet rounded out the top three in 20:29.4.
MEN’S TOP 5
1. Dan Lewis 16:56.1
2. Paul Siconolfi 17:24.0
3. Jose Davila 17:44.1
4. Vincent Agostino 17:53.2
5. Artur Tyszuk 18:01.3
WOMEN’S TOP 5
1. Melissa Kraker 19:21.5
2. Isabelle Cammayo 20:23.1
3. Juliette Goulet 20:29.4
4. Patricia Mulligan 21:29.0
5. Mara Cohen 23:03.9