Long Beach community members swam, paddled and ran for this annual tradition

Michael Kiefer was a New York City Firefighter and Long Beach resident who heroically gave his life on September 11, 2001. He was also a Long Beach Lifeguard who loved life and the ocean.

The City of Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation held an annual swim, paddle, run in his memory Sunday. The event is meant to be a challenging workout to honor Kiefer’s dedication and perseverance.

The event took place on the Riverside Boulevard beach and the race began at 8:45 a.m.  The race began with a 150-yard run to the swim entry point a 400-yard ocean swim with a land finish to the transition area, a half-mile paddleboard segment with a land finish to the transition and a one-and-a-half mile run on the beach.

Awards were given to the top three male and female finishers, the top three male and female firefighters, the top three male and female lifeguards and the top three teams.