NYCM
Insurance prioritizes supporting community initiatives, and has been the Title Sponsor for the annual Pit Run for
several years. The Pit Run is a challenging six-mile course that runs through
the autumn hills of Oneonta, New York.
The 10K USATF (USA Track & Field)
Certified course starts on the Main Street bridge between Market and River
Streets, passes through the SUNY Oneonta campus, and ends at Neahwa Park.
Continue reading to learn more about the Pit Run and what this experience means
to some of our most passionate runners.
What Inspired the Pit Run?
Named
after 34-year-old state trooper Ricky J. "Pit" Parisian, the Pit Run
was created as a way to honor Ricky and the sacrifice he made for his community. Ricky loved his work and saw
that it was his duty in life to make his corner of the world a little safer.
One day in Oneonta while he was off duty and grocery shopping with his wife
Deb, he attempted to stop an armed robbery. After making sure that
everyone in the surrounding area was safe, he then confronted the robber. In
the struggle, Ricky was shot, and unfortunately passed away as a result. Ricky
was a hero and saved many lives that day. The Pit Run is a celebration of his ideals and his joy
for life.
What Does the Pit Run Funding Go Towards?
The
annual Pit Run is an activity created by the Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The goal of the
foundation is to establish a scholarship fund to provide financial
assistance to a graduating senior of Oneonta High School. Each year, a $4,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who
has demonstrated the ability to enhance their local community. The foundation
will also allocate funds to support local education
programs when possible.
A Community Event
“The
Pit Run is a great example of how a community can come together to support each
other year after year,” says Amanda Loitsch of our People Development Team.
“It’s a really well-known race, especially for Oneonta locals. You can always
expect to see a familiar face, some friendly competition, and a chicken dinner.”
Amanda
has participated in the Pit Run several times. “We used to go when we were
kids, and as an adult I’ve completed at least two 10k Pit Runs, one 5k, and in
2020 I participated in the virtual 100k during the month of October. My favorite part of the
actual run is where you get to go downhill! It's a long climb up to the SUNY
Oneonta campus, and it is so satisfying to
get to the top! Of course, I also love the community spirit behind Pit Run.
Each year I learn even more about Ricky and his family, hearing more stories from
those who have personal connection to the cause.”
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Matt
Johnson of our IT Infrastructure Team has completed the Pit Run three times.
“At
first it was just a way of challenging myself,” he says. “I had never run a 10k
race before and wanted to see if I could do it. When I found out more about
what happened to Officer Parisian, and the scholarship program, it became much
more meaningful.” Matt goes on to share his favorite part of the race. “Coming down the hill at
SUNY Oneonta after the tough uphill run, AND the Brooks Chicken BBQ are two of
the high points, but for me it’s really about overcoming personal challenges
and coming together as a community to celebrate a man who saved
so many lives!”
Community Commitment
For
Colleen Witter of our Financial Services Team, the Pit Run is a means of
supporting her law enforcement family. “I have completed the Pit Run four years
in a row. I was really inspired by this particular race when I was just getting
into running as a sport. My father was a police officer, so running in the Pit Run
always helped me feel connected to him. The patriotism and loyalty behind this
event really shows the support that our community has for its local law
enforcement.”
Hitting Close to Home
“The
Pit Run was a race everyone did when I was
growing up,” says Liz Brigham of our Underwriting Team. “Although it was not
until I met my partner who is also a state trooper, who had a personal connection with the family, that I
really took pause to what the community event was all about. It stands as a
good reminder to us all that, no matter the price, it’s important to do the
right thing.” Liz continued, “My family and I run the 10k every year alongside
my partner’s co-workers at the NYSP. This year we will be
running with our daughter in her stroller and my son will be doing the kids’
run. It is a great way to keep Ricky’s legacy alive and to be mindful of his
heroics on that day. I really like that this is a local benefit that directly
impacts the community. You can see every dollar earned making an impact.”
To
learn more about NYCM employees and their commitment not only to each other but
to their community, check out the link below!
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