RUN FOR A CAUSE | MV CELEBRATES MV MARATHONERS
Mayor Richard Thomas and The City of Mount Vernon would like to congratulate all 2018 TCS New York City Marathon runners for their hard work leading up to the marathon TODAY, November 4, 2018!
The physical and mental preparation needed to participate in one of the world’s most sought after marathons, takes a special individual who accepts the challenge to run a grueling 26.2 miles through NYC’s 5 boroughs across various terrains. Runners who participate in a marathon of this magnitude often attach a “cause” that’s bigger than them to help them eliminate any reason to quit during their training and while running in the actual race.
One such runner is Peter Monsanto Jr., a 38-year-old lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, who is running for his father who has been incarcerated since he was 5yrs old and justice reform.
Peter says, “I never had a chance to really have any kind of activities with my dad because he’s been in prison since I was 5 years old. This is probably the only way I can connect to him through something we both do. I run and he runs. I run in the free world. He runs behind the prison wall. This is my raising a glass to the man who made me the man I am today. I am running this for him. I am running this for awareness of his case. I am running for all of the children. Especially black boys and girls who all have this story and are scared.”
Mayor Thomas said, “Congratulations to the all the runners, especially those from Mount Vernon who are running for a cause, accomplishing their goals, achieving dreams and setting new standards of excellence. Our Mount Vernon marathoners supplanted shallow fears with a deep faith in themselves, determined to rise for their cause. Breaking through barriers of self-doubt, discovering and strengthening their confidence to defeat the odds stacked against them. Our marathoners tell us all that No Matter What we must Keep Going! Keep Running! Keep Rising! This is why I am so proud of their dedication, inspired by their example, and looking forward to bestowing them with the “Mount Vernon Medal of Courage. ””
If you know of any other runners from Mount Vernon that are running for a cause, please let us know at MayorThomas@cmvny.com. Stay tuned for an invitation for when the City of Mount Vernon will celebrate the marathoners at an upcoming city-wide event.
If you’re interested in learning more about Pete’s story, please read the article by Erin Simon in The Shadow League titled, “Pete Monsanto Jr. Runs for Social Justice and His Father’s Life"
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