Staten Island, NY | Honored as part of the College of Staten Island’s Athletics Hall of Fame inaugural Class of 2012, former cross-country star Jeff Banjamin was honored as part of the Staten Island Athletic Club this weekend at La Greci’s The Staaten.

Originating in 1871, the SIAC has been bestowing year-end awards beginning in 2001, and Benjamin, who was named the SIAC’s Runner of the Decade in the 1990’s has remained an active part in the organization, which encourages life-long physical well-being through running. The organization celebrated their awards dinner on Saturday, and Benjamin was awarded the group’s Lou Marli Memorial Service Award, awarded to the individual who has dedicated a large part of their life, energy and time to promote running in Staten Island running community.

A fixture in the Staten Island racing community and someone who is continuously championing the running scene, Benjamin announced the formation of the Staten Island Running Association at the banquet, which will take up the Memorial Day Run tradition with a low key event already planned for 2019 with a buildup to a large scale event in 2020.

For more information on the Staten Island Athletic Club be sure to visit their website at www.statenislandac.org.  They offer year round running events for people of all ages and abilities such as Saturday morning 3-Mile Fun Runs, Sunday morning long runs and depending on the season, Tuesday night Track or Hill workouts. There is much to learn from SIAC members on all of the various types of running, nutrition, injuries and cross-training.