Norm Solomon, dean of Fairfield University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business, runs 41st NYC marathon to support programs for children | Press Releases

Image: Norm Solomon Norm Solomon, dean of Fairfield University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business, accomplished two goals when he ran the 2010 New York City Marathon on November 7.

First, Dr. Solomon raised more than $6,700 for a charity that combats childhood obesity, thanks in part to the generosity of the University community, friends and family. Secondly, along the way, he ran his best time ever, clocking in at 4:40:58 after completing a 26.2-mile course that took him through all five boroughs.

Solomon said the autumn weather was conducive to running a good race. "The day was cool, crisp and bright - a perfect day for the run for me and 45,000 of my closest friends," said the Bronx native. "I felt pretty good at the end. I did better than last year's time by close to 1 minute and 40 seconds."

This was his fourth New York City Marathon and tenth marathon overall. Although Solomon has been running for almost 40 years, he decided he needed a new challenge just six years ago and took up long distance running, considered greater than 10 kilometers.

Image: Norm Solomon An Easton, Connecticut resident, he runs the New York City Marathon as a member of Team for Kids, a group of more than 1,000 runners raising funds to support the youth services arm of New York Road Runners (NYRR). This year, the group raised more than $4 million. The money will go to fund weekly running-based fitness, character building and nutrition classes serving thousands of children each week. The classes serve to fight against obesity, the greatest health threat to the nation.

By learning about and practicing good habits, kids can lower their risks of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes and lead better lives. That mission resonates with Solomon, who benefited from similar after-school programs when he was growing up. "These programs can make all the difference to a child and set them on a healthy path," he said.

Solomon said the crowd support and support from Team for Kids coaches was fantastic. "I was wearing my 'Norm' name tag and people on the sidelines shouted my name so much that I thought I was in an episode of " Cheers, " he said.

Image: Norm Solomon, dean of Fairfield University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business, congratulated at the finish line of the New York City Marathon by Zakia Feracho, a coach for Team for Kids.