Roberto Caraciolo Mandje, the runner on the cover of the January 2012 issue of Running Times, is a Fox Lane grad who won the Leatherman’s Loop in 2002. His mother is originally from Equatorial Guinea and he currently competes using his mother’s last name. He competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics in the 1500 meter race for Equatorial Guinea. He ran in 3 Leatherman’s Loops with top 10 finishes in 1999 and 2000 while at Fox Lane. He won in 2002 when he denied Gerry Sullivan a third consecutive win.
A friend of mine gave me a heads up about this post by you guys. Just wanted to thank you (or whomever it was that found the magazine and made the connection) for the recognition. As a Fox Lane Middle/High School graduate, I clearly have close bonds and fond memories associated with Northern Westchester and my time spent there. I’ve enjoyed racing The Leatherman’s Loop in the past and have always vowed to return again. I trust that next year’s event will be as challenging and entertaining as year’s past. I’ll surely race it again when my schedule allows it (hopefully sooner than later!).
Roberto,
It would be great to have you participate in the loop again. Gerry Sullivan and I have become good friends and he has not slowed down at all since 2002. The problem is that Tom Nohilly keeps showing up and he is not only fast but fearless. Could be interesting if you are part of the mix.
Tony
I definitely have fond memories of Gerry Sullivan and he was definitely a good sport despite my brash (was I even 20 years old then?) comments about going out of my way to stop him from winning 3 years in a row. Good times indeed! I have seen Tommy’s name all over the winner’s wall at Leatherman’s Loop. He’s certainly a fearless and talented competitor (dare I say, ageless wonder?). We actually raced each other (1st and only time I’ve met him) at the 2005 Coogan’s Salsa, Blues & Shamrocks 5K in Manhattan. I certainly would welcome the chance to race him again, maybe in 2012, maybe….
Happy Holidays to all!