November Update, folks...

We're still actively organizing and planning our trip to Turin for the Torch Run. I and my buddy Jacob Babcock are getting very excited about this opportunity.

I am using the cooler weather to keep up the training for that cool mountain air we're sure to enjoy. We also have to train for inclines, declines, and cobblestones (oh, our poor ankles, lol).

Many Generous people and groups have gotten us to $5,000, which is a GREAT place to be. I'm confident $30k is attainable! But only with YOUR HELP!

October Update:

What a great weekend we had in Glens Falls for the Fall Games. I got to see my Italy teammate, Jacob Babcock, compete in Cross Country. AND I was able to put his GOLD medal around his neck!

It's these times that remind me of WHY we work to raise funds that allow all of our athletes to be the best people they can be.

Update time:

First run back from my 7M in 7D. Great morning to get it done.

STILL pushing for help to raise money for our athletes.😎 If you can think of other ways that I can raise awareness for this fantastic cause, please share!

FINAL DAY:

Well, I tried folks, but I cannot finish Marathon #5. My knee told me I’m done. But, I’m proud to have finished 4 in a row for Special Olympics New York.

I cannot thank everyone enough for all of the support this week, especially my beautiful wife Marjie and my good friend Amber. Without you I couldn’t have gotten this far. Plus another 9 miles.

Stat tuned for my next adventure on my way to raise money for Italy!!

DAY FIVE UPDATE:

Well, I had to pull the plug on running marathon #5 today ☹️. The nature trail run on Weds tweaked my knee, but I powered through yesterday. Today however, the knee just isn’t feeling right. I’m going to give it a couple of days off, rest, ice, and tape. HOPING I can finish up with the Sackets Harbor Marathon on Sunday. It’s going to be an amazing race and I’d hate to miss it.

I’m sorry to all of my friends from Special Olympics New York and Law Enforcement Torch Run - Special Olympics New York. I was really pushing for 7 in 7 days, but I need to preserve the knee to be able to represent with Jacob Babcock in Turin. #Turin2025

Still hoping to get people, organizations and businesses to donate to our athletes! The support so far has been fantastic, but I’m still pushing for my $30k goal. Let’s send 3 athletes to World Games in Turin, Italy 🤩

DAY FOUR UPDATE:

Another marathon complete, day 4 for my 7Min7D. Over Half way there. Had lots of visitors today, which really helped keep me motivated to finish up today 😊

I’ll probably lose a couple toenails, lol. And yesterday’s trail run tweaked my knee a little, but I got through today. Hoping I can keep going for all my athlete friends at Special Olympics New York and finish the whole 7 marathons 🤞Tomorrow is Indian River High School. 3 more to go! Be sure to scroll through the photo album.

DAY THREE UPDATE:

Day 3 is in the books! The Calcium Trail needs a little work, but is was a nice, scenic place to run today😎

Mojo and Marjie joined me for a little run. And I had a GREAT show of support from my friends from Jefferson County Probation😊 Can't wait to hit the halfway point and see some more awesome supporters tomorrow as I hit the track at General Brown High School.

DAY TWO UPDATE:

Day 2 of my 7M7D to support Law Enforcement Torch Run - Special Olympics New York and Special Olympics New York. Another good day, this one hosted by South Jefferson School District at the Maynard Wilson Elementary School. Had a couple of special running partners and a cheer squad today 🥰. Check out the photos to see my squad. Hope to see some of you guys in the next for the next 7M in 7D. Stop by to cheer me on, run a lap or just to see my crazy self tomorrow as I hit day 3 at the Calcium Trail.

DAY ONE UPDATE:

What a great day for Day 1 of my 7M in 7D. Carthage High School has a beautiful track, and Superintendent Jen Premo also came out to run with me early this morning. Then the Carthage JV and Varsity football teams gave us a HUGE morale boost. Finished up with a visit from Alan, who is going to join us at the Sackets Marathon on Sunday to complete his 100th marathon!!! Way to go Alan!💪

I’ve been with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office for over 20 years now and currently hold the rank of Lieutenant. My 1st Torch Run was 15 years ago. My 1st High-Five line was at the NYS Winter Games just 2 years later, and I’ve been hooked ever since. My wife, Marjie, has been with me for more than 34 years and is my rock for all things SONY. My daughter Joan, son Shaun, his amazing wife and 4 kids are all in when it comes to also supporting SONY. I was able to run the NYC Marathon in ’19 and ’23, proudly representing SONY, and I’m not planning on hanging up my running shoes anytime soon.

Every two years Special Olympics (www.specialolympics.org) Athletes from across the world gather to compete in a variety of sports. In 2025 the Special Olympics World Games are heading to Turin, Italy (www.turin2025.org). Leading up to the start of those games, the Torch carrying the Flame of Hope will be escorted by a small group of athletes and their law enforcement friends, traveling from Greece to Turin for the Opening of the Games.

In 2014 I became a member of the New York State Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Committee (www.letr.org). This group’s sole purpose is to support Special Olympics in every way possible. I am extremely humbled to be able to say that I have been selected by LETR NY as the sole law enforcement representative from the Great State of New York to help carry the Torch on its journey. For ten days a team of runners from around the world will carry the Flame of Hope across Italy, raising hope, awareness, and support for Special Olympics. As I prepare for this wonderful opportunity, I had a little idea…

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have developed a bit of a thing for running over the years. I have been organizing the Jefferson County leg of the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for over 13 years. So now I’ve reached out across Jefferson County to find places where I can run a few more miles and invite the community to join in.

Folks, y’all can run or walk with me as much or as little as you want. You can come out and be our cheer support. Or, just stop by, watch me and say “uh, crazy much?”

I will be using the running tracks at four different schools, one track on Ft. Drum, a walking trail, and one historical place to get my miles in.

Beginning Monday, Aug 26th I will be running 26.2 miles a day, for 7 days. My runs will begin at 6a each day, rain or shine, and end by noon. If you want to follow along, here is my schedule:

Monday, Aug 26 – Carthage High School

Tuesday, Aug 27 – South Jefferson’s Wilson Building

Wednesday, Aug 28 – Calcium Nature Trail (start at the Rt 11/Patterson Rd trailhead)

Thursday, Aug 29 – General Brown High School

Friday, Aug 30 – Indian River High School

Saturday, Aug 31 – Ft. Drum’s McGrath Gymnasium

And finishing up on Sept 1st with the 2nd Annual Sackets Harbor Marathon!!!

All my friends from Special Olympics New York and I would love your support! I hope to see you at the FINISH LINE.

So, what is all of this for? This is what I can do to raise awareness, inclusion and funds for Special Olympics Athletes. I’ll put in the miles and all I am asking is for individuals, groups, organizations and businesses to join me in supporting Special Olympics. You can help an individual join a sport. You can volunteer to coach or help at a sporting event. Or most importantly, you can donate money to keep this wonderful organization operating. Just click the link provided to learn more.

PLEASE HELP ME TO REACH MY GOAL OF $30,000!

And let me say it ahead of time, YOU ARE ALL WONDERFUL PEOPLE!!!