Bears Volunteer at 2016 New York City Marathon

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — As over 50,000 runners ran through the five boroughs on Sunday afternoon, several St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) student-athletes assisted their endeavors volunteering with the New York Road Runners Club (NYRRC) to help manage the Mile 9 hydration station located just blocks away from campus on Lafayette Avenue.

It marked the second time St. Joseph's College had partnered with the NYRRC to assist with the annual event.

"Volunteering for the marathon was truly an unbelievable experience," remarked Christine Emigholz, who is a co-captain on the women's soccer team. "Not only was it a great opportunity to bond with teammates, it was also a great way to show athletes dedication."

Emigholz was among 10 Bears that represented the women's soccer, men's & women's swimming, women's basketball team and women's cross country teams. It was an early morning for all the volunteers as they helped set up the hydration station and poured and distributed thousands of cups of water and Gatorade to runners as they raced down Lafayette Avenue.

"As I handed out water to the runners, I was extremely inspired by the various age groups that were running in the marathon. The dedication and high spirits of all of the runners at mile 9 made me, a soccer player, appreciate the physical demands of my sport way more," concluded Emigholz.

Among the participants in this year's marathon were Director of Athletics and Recreation James Lally and Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach Daniel Caggiano.

"It was great to see our student-athletes involved in the NYC Marathon. It is one of those events that brings together people from all corners of the globe, from spectators to participants," commented Lally. "All members of the athletics department at SJC are proponents of community outreach and service, and we are proud of the way in which our student-athletes represent our institution through volunteering at events such as this."