November 27, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Ramsey Local police officers team up for New York Marathon Thomas Banta and Matthew Rork are more than fellow Ramsey police officers. This year, the two teamed up to run the New York Marathon. “Running in the 2013 ING New York City Marathon was an experience of a lifetime,” Rork and Banta said in a joint statement. “To participate in the first major marathon since the Boston bombings and to be cheered on by tens of thou- sands of New Yorkers and tourists from all over the world was something we’ll always cherish. It took months of hard work, dedication, and training to get to the finish line.” Banta and Rork noted that, even with all of the train- ing, some obstacles proved difficult, particularly the cold, windy, uphill mile 15, which brings runners from the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan. “You never really know how many hills there are in New York City until you’re forced to run through all five bor- oughs,” they added. Marathon participants ran over the Verrazano Bridge, past the brownstones in Brooklyn and the row houses in Queens, across the East River, among Manhattan’s sky- scrapers, and into the Bronx. The route ends in Central Park. “It was an accomplishment we hope everyone can some- day experience, and having the opportunity to do so with a brother officer made it all that more special.” Pictured: Thomas Banta and Matthew Rork, who completed the 2013 ING New York City Marathon.