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Thousands of runners braved the wet weather Sunday for what's billed as the most diverse race in the world.

An estimated 7,000 people took part in the 13th annual Coogan's Salsa, Blues and Shamrock 5K run, which kicked off in Washington Heights.

The race circles the historic Cloisters and finishes at 169th Street.

Many participants say the race means a lot to the neighborhood.

"The best thing is it's a cerebral sport and it's wonderful to have something like this take place in a neighborhood that's had so much damage inflicted on it by drugs and homicide and violence," said Race Organizer Peter Walsh.

"I've run Coogan's about eight times. We live close: Washington Heights, the Bronx. So it's our race we're here. We're excited," said one runner.

All of the money raised goes towards childrens programs at the Armory Track and Field Center.

The race also benefits the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame.

 

from DNAinfo.com

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Despite the misty weather, thousands of runners took to the hills of Fort Tryon Park to participate in the 13th annual Coogan’s Salsa, Blues & Shamrocks 5K Race.

Music from 25 types of musical performers including gospel, bagpipes, merengue, klezmer, salsa and brass bands serenaded the estimated 7,000 runners along the route as Upper Manhattanites dressed in rain clothes and hats cheered.

Bado Worku Merdessa, a 22-year-old from the Bronx, took the men’s medal, running the 3.1-mile course in 14 minutes and 42 seconds.

Twenty-eight-year-old Leonara Petrina from Bayport, Long Island, won the women’s medal completing the run in 16:34.

Kids were winners too, receiving medals from firefighters and police officers after their decidedly shorter race of anywhere from 25 yards to a half-mile, depending on their age.