[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PAYING TRIBUTE TO ``COOGAN'S ANNUAL SALSA, BLUES & SHAMROCKS 5K RUN'' 
                        ON ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing Coogan's Restaurant's 10th Annual Salsa, Blues & 
Shamrocks 5K Run, a local institution in my district that was founded 
on the premise that ``kids who run, do better in school.''
  Coogan's Annual Salsa, Blues & Shamrocks 5K Run is a celebration of 
the strong community ties and rich cultural diversity of northern 
Manhattan. The scenic route circles the historic Cloisters and returns 
to 169th Street. The New York City Road Runners Organization, 
organizers of the New York City Marathon, calls this ``the best road 
race outside of Central Park.''
  More than 2,500 runners of all ages including world class competitors 
along with local celebrities participate in the race. A collage of over 
20 different musical groups including gospel, bagpipes, meringue, 
salsa, and brass bands will serenade the runners along the route. 
Hundreds of kids running their hearts out all receive their Olympic 
style medals awarded by local firefighters and policemen.
  Races ``within the race'' include the Captain Frederick Ill, Jr. 
Uniform Services Race created in memory of a local firefighter who lost 
his life in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. 
Participants from the Fire Department, Police Department, and Uniformed 
Services will compete for the Captain Frederic Ill, Jr. FDNY Victory 
Cup.
  Another race within the race is the Norbert Sander High School Open 
named after Dr. Norbert Sanders, M.D., founder of the Armory 
Foundation. This race features teams of high school students competing 
for trophies and awards. Winners receive $500, to be donated to their 
high school sports programs.
  Coogan's Annual Salsa, Blues & Shamrocks 5K Run was founded in 1998 
by the managing partners of Coogan's Restaurant: David Hunt, Peter 
Walsh, and Tess O'Connor McDade. This five kilometer running party has 
been an extraordinary event ever since, packed with the pulse and 
flavors of one of New York City's most diverse neighborhoods.
  On the 10th anniversary of this momentous race, I congratulate and 
offer my best wishes for the continued success of the race and its 
organizers. What began as a run to help children do better in school 
has become a remarkable accomplishment that should inspire other 
communities across our great Nation to pursue similar goals with 
devoted persistence.

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