Friday, October 2, 2026
In honor of Michael V. Kiefer, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation held the Kiefer Swim, Paddle, Run at Riverside Boulevard Beach on July 27.
Kiefer was a Long Beach lifeguard and was one of the many New York City firefighters that sacrificed their lives in an attempt to rescue others on Sept. 11, 2001. He served with Ladder Company 132 at a fire station in Brooklyn.
Both races include a 150-yard run to the swim entry point, followed by a 400-yard ocean swim to a land finish and transition to a half-mile paddle board segment with a land finish and end with a 1.5-mile run on the beach.
For the fourth consecutive year, Freeport’s Adam Nussen finished first. Andy Smith, the Long Beach High School principal, placed second. Kyle Radan, from Long Beach, and an FDNY firefighter, captured third place. Long Beach lifeguard Molly Thornton was the woman to finish the competition.
Participants had to be 16 or older, and for the relay, two participants are required but three are preferred.
Only those 16 years or older are allowed to participate and for the relay, two participants are required but three participants are preferred.
Awards were given to the top three men and women finishers, men and women firefighters who finish 1-2-3, the top three men and women lifeguards and the top trio of team overall.
