By VIN News and COLlive
Photos by COLlive
Video by Shimon Gifter
Dr. Chaim Backman of Crown Heights was one of the 400 runners at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Sunday morning for a unique event that was as much about physical fitness as it was about tzedaka.
Backman, founder of Tri Chai ? a triathlon club geared for the Frum community, cycled 3 miles as part of JRunners benefiting Our Place, a Brooklyn institution that has helped thousands of troubled teens since its inception 13 years ago.
Like Backman, each runner committed to raising a minimum of $180 for Our Place and not only did the run meet the goal of raising $75,000, they are well on their way to meeting a newly heightened goal of $85,000.
Sunday’s race, with separate events for both men and women, drew participants from all across the spectrum including 88 year-old Avraham Silverman, a World War II veteran whose leg was recently amputated, completing the race in a wheelchair pushed by his grandson Aron Greenstein, who credits Our Place with saving his life.
Before heading out, the runners heard from U.S. Congresswoman Yvettte Clarke of Brooklyn (who came with her aide Eli Slavin), New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind and Brooklyn Councilman David Greenfield.
The winner of the men’s race was 34 year old Mordechai Ovitz with a finish time of 22:16, while Dina Nierenberg of Brooklyn took the women’s race at 27:25. Runners ranged in age from 14 to 88.
“It was such an honor for JRunners to be able to play a part in raising money for Our Place, an organization that benefits not just troubled teens but each and every one of us,” said JRunners president and co-founder Steven Friedman.
“This race was a top notch event for both the runners and the spectators and everyone involved had an amazing time. JRunners looks forward to creating additional exciting events such as this so that we can continue to benefit worthy causes like Our Place while promoting health and fitness within the Jewish community.”
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Wow, Chaim you do so much to help out people..
People don’t know the half of it…
Keep up the great work, always doing it with
a smile….
Go Chaim Go!!
Chaim I’m so happy I didn’t hurt u in our kung fu days in 1990. U have gone on to do so much good. Ajimay!
Chaim and Jrunners are awesome and Our Place has helped countless members of our community and the jewish community at large.
Thank you for all the wonderful work.
I think a title of ironman fits you the best
Chaim Backman The best Physical therapist I know!
Dr. Backman?
PT Backman 🙂
would have loved to join. please advertise more.
Thanks for the nice words.
We have different running groups for all ages and levels (seperate male and female), so all of you are welcome to join us on one of our runs. We are also starting new beginner training classes, right here in Prospect Park!
For info, email me at: [email protected]
Chaim is the man!!
Good going Dr. Backman. You are a true hero for the overweight, lazy and tired among us. I wish I had your energy.
amen running to moshiach and all the holy people you are the best and inspire me!!!!