STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— Two days after the nation honored the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy in World War II, roughly 1,200 athletes filled the streets of New Dorp on Sunday for the 9th Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5K Run & Walk.
The race honors the memory of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a Staten Island native who heroically lost his life in 2013 during Operation Enduring Freedom, sacrificing himself to shield a Polish soldier from a suicide bomber.
The annual event has become one of the premier races on the Staten Island road running community’s calendar, growing from just a few hundred participants in its inaugural year into a USATF-certified course that now serves as the opening leg of the Staten Island Triple Crown.
The growing popularity of the event has meant the world to Ollis’ parents, Linda and Bob, whose original goal of getting 100 runners together has been far exceeded.
“Staten Island has supported us and Michael ever since his passing; between the building of his memorial at Petrides to the race here on New Dorp Lane, it’s been fantastic. It’s very special to be able to remember my son like this,” Bob said of the continued support from the borough’s racing community.
In addition to those who gathered on Sunday to run and walk, the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation received sizable charitable contributions from local organizations such as the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, Northwell/Staten Island University Hospital, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery and others to make the race possible.
The opportunity to compete while supporting a meaningful cause certainly resonated with Johnny Sokoll, a recent Wagner College cross country/track and field graduate, who was the first male runner to cross the finish line with a time of 15:16.
“I love this foundation; the fundraising and donations really helped to get the energy going, so that definitely helped to motivate me today,” Sokoll said of the chance to support a good cause through his running ability.
“I also just finished my collegiate running career, so I just love getting out to compete and run. All in all, I’m super happy I came out here with my friends and family, it was a really fun day,” Sokoll continued.
Linda and Bob Ollis, the parents of Michael Ollis, pose together during the 9th Annual SSG Ollis 5K Run & Walk on June 8, 2025.Michael O'Brien
While this marked Sokoll’s first appearance in the event, the top female finisher, Ava Gumb, officially won the division in back-to-back years. She called the race a “can’t-miss” event.
“I just love everybody coming together; the Staten Island running community is just so great,” she said after her 17:28 effort, a mark over two minutes faster than the next-closest female racer.
Gumb, who recently completed her freshman year competing for one of the NCAA’s premier cross country and track programs at Louisiana State University, said she felt strong despite the hot Sunday morning conditions.
“I’m used to the heat being down South now, so this was just another good workout day for me,” she said. “It gave me a good taste of the upcoming cross country season.”
Top male finisher Johnny Sokoll and top female finisher Ava Gumb pose together after winning their respective divisions following the 9th Annual SSG Ollis 5K Run & Walk on June 8, 2025.Michael O'Brien
For the full list of results from the event, visit raceroster.com.