• Register Today for the 2024 SSG Ollis Memorial 5k!

    May 12, 2024 Author: Kelly Manzolillo
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    Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis embodied the values of courage and selflessness. His heroic act during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he sacrificed his life to save others, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty and honor. Through this annual memorial race, we aim to ensure that his spirit lives on, inspiring future generations to embody the same sense of bravery and service.

    Event Details:

    • Date: June 9th
    • Location: Staten Island, New York
    • Race Distances: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) run and 2 miles walk
    • Registration Link: Register Here

    Why You Should Join Us:

    1. Honor a Hero: Participating in the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race allows you to pay homage to Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis and his extraordinary sacrifice. Your involvement helps keep his memory alive and honors his legacy of courage and service.
    2. Support Veterans and Their Families: Proceeds from the race will benefit programs and initiatives aimed at supporting military veterans and their families. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
    3. Enjoy a Fun-Filled Day: Whether you’re an avid runner, prefer a brisk walk, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race offers an opportunity for participants of all levels to come together for a day of fitness, camaraderie, and remembrance.
    4. Build Community: Join us in bringing together individuals from all walks of life who share a common goal of honoring our nation’s heroes. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll be part of a community united in gratitude and respect.

    Register Today: Don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful event. Secure your spot in the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race by registering here today. Whether you’re running, walking, or showing your support in other ways, your participation makes a difference.

    Mark your calendars for June 9th and join us for a day filled with remembrance, unity, and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

  • Sign Up Now for the 5th Annual SSG Ollis 5k!

    May 7, 2021 Author: Dave
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    Please sign up today for the Race around Michael’s hometown in New Dorp, Staten Island on June 13th: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis

    Description:

    Welcome to the 5th Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk. Since the inaugural event, the Ollis run has grown into one of Staten Island’s largest and running events.  The course is now USTA Certified.  We are excited to welcome everyone back to this year’s race and look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, June 13 in New Dorp.  

    Race Pricing:

    • Before May 1: $30
    • May 1 – June 12: $35
    • Race-Day Registration: $40

    The Ollis race is organized by the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, and is scored by Richard Re of ScoreYourRace.com.   After payment of race expenses, all proceeds are used by the Ollis Freedom Foundation to provide assistance and support to combat veterans re-entering civilian life.

    COVID Protocols and Back-Up Date

    In these times of social distancing, we will be enacting several measures to ensure the safety of all participants:

    • We will be staggering the start of the race with a maximum number of participants in each wave.  Each wave will have a maximum of 20-30 participants with the first wave comprising of the elite runners (i.e. those runners with a sub-7 minute pace).  We will be utilizing chip timing for the race so in the event a runner is note in the elite wave but ends up running the fastest time, that person will be crowned our champion.
    • All participants will be asked to wear masks at the beginning of the race and as they are approaching the finish line.  
    • We ask that all participants, volunteers and spectators wear masks in the area around registration and starting line.

    In the event we are unable to run the race on June 13, the backup date will be Sunday, October 17.PLACENew Dorp Lane and South Railroad Avenue
    Staten Island, NY US 10306

  • 3rd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk set for June 9th

    April 21, 2019 Author: Dave
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    SSG Ollis 5k race set for June 9th

    Hello Runners, Walkers and Volunteers,

    We wanted to remind everyone that registration is open for the 3rd Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk which will take place on Sunday June 9 at 8:30am in New Dorp.  As a reminder to those who have yet to register, the registration fee will be increasing to $35 on May 1 so we encourage you to sign up now.

      https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/StatenIsland/Ollis

    We encourage you to please share race this registration link with friends and relatives who may also be interested.  

    If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a sponsor for the race, please see the flyer below and reach out to the Race Committee by email.

    SSG Ollis 5k Race Brochure

    Looking forward to a wonderful event!  Thank you for your support.

    -SSG Michael Ollis Race Planning Committee

  • 5K Results and Recap

    June 13, 2018 Author: Dave
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    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR RACE RESULTS

    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.”

    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