With each stretch, Anthony Gomez was thankful to spend his Sunday honoring fallen Detective Jason Rivera. He reflected on what it was like running with him as a fellow member of Dyckman Run Club.
“I got to meet Jason Rivera for a very short time. My first run with him was right underneath the bridge, right there, the George Washington Bridge,” Gomez said.
Gomez was one of hundreds of runners taking part in the New York Road Runners' Washington Heights Salsa, Blues, and Shamrocks 5K. The 5K honored fallen Detectives Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora, who lost their lives in the line of duty responding to a domestic call in January.
What You Need To Know
- NYRR held its Washington Heights Salsa, Blues and Shamrocks 5K Sunday
- The run paid tribute to fallen NYPD Detectives Rivera and Mora
- Detectives Rivera and Mora died in the line of duty responding to a domestic call
- The 5K was held for the first time in two years due to the pandemic
“He was just a great spirit a just great energy to have in the club I just appreciated him he was too years younger than me. He was just a person who wanted to impact change in every community,” Gomez said.
Mayor Adams attended to show his appreciation and gratitude to the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
"I just wanted to take a moment to open our hearts for officers Rivera and Mora,” Adams said.
The route went along Fort Washington Avenue, passing under the George Washington Bridge and running up for a loop around Fort Tryon Park. The organizers of this race said it was especially emotional.
“It was really touching to hear their run club and Dyckman Run Club speak about how running empowered them and how we are honoring them,” said Kerin Hempel, CEO of NYRR.
Sunday’s race was the first time this 5K was held in two years due to the pandemic.
