Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
Borough President Molinaro announces re-naming of “Semper Fi run” to “Health & Fitness Run”
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today announced the re-naming of his annual “Semper Fi Run” to the “Health & Fitness Run” as part of a Citywide effort to help children and their parents get in shape.
“Mayor Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Frieden have launched several initiatives to promote good health, such as limiting the use of trans fats by restaurants, promoting the sale of healthy foods, and improving the quality of food in school cafeterias,” said Molinaro.
“Health experts have long acknowledged that diet and exercise are the key to a healthy lifestyle,” Molinaro added. “I applaud Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Frieden for taking the lead in making health and fitness a priority for New Yorkers.
“Here on Staten Island, we are re-naming our popular ‘Semper Fi Run’ to the ‘Health & Fitness Run’ to promote good health at an early age,” Molinaro said. “We will be working with the schools to get our young people more involved in the five-mile race.
“More than 60% of Americans over the age of 20 are overweight, and about 25% are obese,” Molinaro added. “Increased childhood obesity has led to a recent epidemic in cases of Type 2 diabetes in young adults. Our children are our future, and we must do all we can to help them adopt a healthier lifestyle. The “Health & Fitness Run” is a fun way for children and their parents to get in shape.”
Last year’s “Semper Fi Run” included for the first time a three-mile Health Walk after letters were sent to the Island’s schools soliciting student participation.
The “Semper Fi Run” was created in 1990 by then-Borough President Guy V. Molinari as a way to help the Marines stationed at the former Homeport become familiar with Staten Island and have some healthy fun in the process. The race quickly became an Island tradition and highly popular among runners not only from the Borough, but throughout the running community.
The 2007 Borough President’s “Health & Fitness Run” will be held on a Sunday morning in September, date to be announced, at the Midland Beach Sea Turtle Circle.
March 8, 2007