If, as some say, “A picture is worth a thousands words,” then Ed Hines must have a large vocabulary! “I got into photographing running via coaching track at St Peter’s Boys High School,” said Hines, who began his journey of taking photos in 2008. As time went on, Hines was seen at most local running/track & field events always with camera in his hands taking his photos. At local youth, high school, college, road races on and beyond, Hines (also known as DeeJay Excel) has, over the years, taken and produced thousands of memories for the athletes, coaches, parents, spectators and fans of the sport.
And, most importantly, it has always been on the side of charity. That is why the Staten Island Running Association, with the family of Art Hall, are honoring Hines with this year’s “Art Hall Memorial Service Award” at the annual SIRA Legends Gala on Wednesday night, Oct. 30.
Hall, a member of both the Staten Island and New York Road Runners Hall of Fame, was a top distance runner who finished in the top 10 places of the early NYC Marathons. The African American distance pioneer also coached the North Shore Track Club and served as a board member on NYRR, helping with the legendary NYRR leader Fred Lebow to establish an urban running program for youth beginning in 1982. “The Hall family congratulates Ed Hines as the 2024 Art Hall Service Award recipient,” said Hall’s son Arthur Hall IV.
Art Hall IV stands next to a poster of his dad, Art Hall, who was inducted i.