Rod Dixon’s Whirlwind Visit to Staten Island and Beyond!

This is a photo essay (plus links) on the great Rod Dixon’s visit to Staten Island, as captured by Rod Dixon. After you check out the photos, you might enjoy seeing the video, which includes some of Rod’s career highlights. I can tell you that Rod Dixon is one of the nicest people in the sport, and he has given back so much good to the next generation of young runners!

Here is the link on his story: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=2vAIfnxg_A4

Rod Dixon’s Whirlwind Visit to Staten Island and Beyond!
By Jeff Benjamin

To say that New Zealand’s Rod Dixon was busy last week is an understatement. The 1972 1500 Bronze Medalist and 1983 NYC Marathon Champ took the area by storm, as he continues to drive his successful KIDS Marathon program worldwide.

Dixon, who has been called ” The most versatile runner of the 20th century” by Runners World, came to Staten Island at the behest of Tony Gulotta and Jeff Benjamin to participate in the Michael McVey Dinner Roast and 5K, events which raise all of its money for charitable groups, most notably the Staten Island Track and Field Association.

Here is a photo essay of Rod’s adventures during a 4-day visit!

RunBlogRun’s Jeff Benjamin and Rod Dixon pose with Staten Island Special Olympians at Lifestyles for the Disabled!
(Pic by Lifestlyes for the Disabled)

Rod getting ready to present the colors of New Zealand at the Michael McVey Roast dinner. Holding the Stars and Stripes is Wounded Warrior Bryan DilBerian. (Photo by Brianna Benjamin)

Rod presenting a citation on behalf of NYS Assemblyman Mike Cusick commemorating the 30th anniversary of Audrey Benjamin winning the Masters Gold Medal for the 10K Racewalk at the Empire State Games
L-R Rod Dixon, Jeff, Amanda Rose, Brianna, Audrey and Jack Benjamin (Photo by Roseann Benjamin)

Rod stopping by the Ocean Breeze Indoor Track and Field facility giving feedback to employee Vincent Gangemi. (Photo by Jeff Benjamin)

Rod accepting a Msgr Farrell HS Cross Country Shirt from the team (Photo by Jeff Benjamin)

Rod being welcomed to NYRR by
L-R President and CEO Michael Capiraso and VP of Community Initiatives and Engagement Michael Schnall (Photo by Jeff Benjamin)

Capiraso and Dixon by a familiar Pic! (Photo by Jeff Benjamin)

At the NYAC

L-R Anthony Gulotta Jr,
Anthony Gulotta SR, Jeff Benjajin, Rod Dixon, Ken Christensen, Mike Schnall
Photo taken by Jeff Keyser

Bob Andrews (ctr), Robby’s Dad, holding Dixon’s 1500 Bronze Medal from the 1972 Olympics
Photo by Patricia Mulligan

Even Rod needed a break! Dixon being adjusted by Sports Chiropractor Lee Magenheim (Photo by Jeff Benjamin)

Pre -Race Gathering–Santa Clause is event honoree Michael McVey!

RACE morning

Rod and the Crew! (Photo by Roseann Benjamin)

Jeff Benjamin giving Rod directions (Photo by Hilton Flores/SI Advance)

Rod stops to root in eventual winner Michael Cassidy of the NYAC (Photo by Jeff Benjamin)

L-R- Benjamin, Dixon and Gulotta with 100 to go! (Photo by Roseann Benjamin)

And Rod out kicks his competitors again. “I learned this move from Steve Williams!”, said Dixon
(Photo by Sue Hutton)

Rod discussing his late race move with running journalist extraordinaire Marc Bloom – Deja vu?? (Photo by Roseann Benjamin)

Rod showing off his Medal with Staten Island running great and 86 years young Bill Welsh (Photo by Roseann Benjamin)

Rod and Crew with the KIDS! (Photo by Roseann Benjamin)

Another great and fun time with Rod, striking the pose he is most known for!
(Photo by Roseann Benjamin)

Here are 5 local links pertaining to Rod and the McVey 5K in chronological order

http://www.silive.com/recsports/index.ssf/2016/04/post_24.html

http://www.silive.com/recsports/index.ssf/2016/04/road_racing_community_honors_a.html

http://www.silive.com/sports/advance/gordon/index.ssf/2016/04/clove_lakes_mcvey_5k_on_saturd.html

http://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/04/mike_cassidy_rod_dixon_headlin.html

Finally—-

http://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/04/1983_nyc_marathon_champ_rod_di.html