Soul Ryeders Half Marathon Draws 1,400+

Soul Ryeders held its inaugural half marathon and 5K run Sunday morning, the first-ever half marathon to take place entirely within the City of Rye. Over 1,425 participants and over 200 volunteers started to assemble at 7:00am at Rye Playland.
Participants ages five to 83 years old and even a couple of canine friends came together with the common goal of honoring a loved one impacted by cancer. The runners warmed up while enjoying a live music performance from the Rye-based indie rock band the M62s.
At 8:00am, they stood ready at the starting line to hear Rye High School’s acapella group Rhythm on Rye sing the national anthem before taking off to the sound of the starting horn. The 5K runners followed shortly after at 8:15am.

“We hope to make it an annual event,” said Soul Ryeders Executive Director Heidi Kitlas.
The event raised $90,000 through participants’ peer-to-peer fundraising efforts which will be used for Soul Ryeders programs and services to provide support for those impacted by any type of cancer.
Race outcomes:
- Half marathon female winner: Liza Gellerman (1:34:18 run time)

- Half marathon male winner: Peter Schulter (1:12:30 run time)

- 5K female winner: Erica Wood (18:28 run time)

- 5k male winner: Avi Portillo (17:12 run time)

5k male winner Avi Portillo (17:12 run time) at the finish line. Credit: Sierra Desai.)
See the race results.

Rye High School’s Rhythm on Rye performed the national anthem. Credit: Sierra Desai.)

Local band M62s provided live music during the 7:00am hour. Credit: Sierra Desai.)
Thank you Sierra for capturing our event so beautifully – you were truly everywhere at once! Your photos and story tell it all!