Annual event a huge success again
Over 450 runners participated in the eighth annual Hillsborough Hop held on Saturday, May 31 at the Hillsborough Family YMCA. This was the largest Hop ever. Once again, the rain held off until well after the race and awards ceremony were completed.
The 3.1-mile race began at South Branch and East Mountain Road and ended at the Municipal Complex. Awards were then presented to the top finishers by Somerset Valley YMCA Chief Operating Officer, Chuck Knill and Hillsborough Family YMCA Branch Director, Valerie Giacopelli.
The top winner of the race was Matt Lusardi of Washington, N.J. with a time of 17:04. Lusardi also took first place honors in 2007. The second place finisher was Michael Newman of Hillsborough with a 17:07 with Mike D’Allegro of Skillman taking third place with a time of 17:38.
The female winner of the 5K race was Branchburg resident Tara Zimliki with a 19:54. She also took first place honors in 2006 and came in second place in 2007. Second place female finisher Courtney Newman of Hillsborough finished with a 20:25 and third place finisher Danielle Harkins, also of Hillsborough, finished with a 20:38.
First place SVYMCA member awards went to Mike D’Allegro of Skillman with a 17:38 and Kiersten Hall of Bridgewater with a 21:35.
The Parent/Child winners were Father/Son-Kevin and Chris Pulsifer of Hillsborough with a 19:24 and 24:44 for a total of 44:08. AJ and Adam Kaletski of Hillsborough took second place with a 20:04 and 25:21 for a total of 45:25, while David and Ken Berry had a 21:24 and 26:13 for a combined time of 47:37.
Father-Daughter winners Bob and Lauren Hendricks of Bound Brook scored a 22:06 and 23:16 for a total of 45:22. Maggie and Mike Sowa came in second with a 23:29 and 23:34 for a total of 47:03, while Doug and Kate Hieber took their 23:39 and 23:48 to a third place score of 47:27.
The Mother-Son team of Chris and Carol Hamersky of Hillsborough scored 21:46 and 26:19 for a winning total score of 48:05. Kevin and Annie Stiles of Branchburg scored a 20:29 and 28:14 for a 48:43 second place score and Craig and Joan Gambogi of Hillsborough, with scores of 21:17 and 29:11, took third place honors.
Mother-Daughter team Cindy and Stephanie Mauer of Somerset took first place with a 26:45 and 27:14, respectively. Susan and Katie King of Belle Mead scored 26:43 and 27:37 for a total team score of 54:20. Sara and Susan Hemstock’s times of 31:30 and 33:50 brought them in at third place for a combined effort of 1:05:20.
The Somerset Valley YMCA would like to thank our Title sponsor, Sleep for Life and our Gold Sponsor, Fleetwood Kitchens for their support. We also are grateful for the support of our Silver Sponsors: Canterelli, Vernoia & Enterline, LLP; Elenor’s Lingerie & Swimwear Boutique, Sports Physical Therapy and SSP Architectural Group, Inc.
SVY would also like to thank and acknowledge America’s Florist for supplying flowers to the top finishers, Bagel Bop for supplying bagels, Hillsborough Starbucks for supplying race day coffee, Wegman’s of Bridgewater for bottled water; Super Sundaes for free ice cream for the kids and Rita’s Water Ice. Other supporters include Comcast Media, the Courier News, Hockenbury Electrical Co., Inc., and Princeton Running Company.
This event could not be held without the many volunteers who contribute their help and support year after year. Thank you to Girl Scout Troops #367 and #1178. Also, we gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the Hillsborough High School National Honor Society, Hillsborough Parks & Rescue Department, Hillsborough Police Department, Hillsborough Rescue Squad and Hillsborough Township and the many local business, individuals and volunteers that supported our event.
Proceeds from the Hillsborough Hop help fund the YMCA’s Y Cares Financial Assistance Program. In 2007, the Somerset Valley YMCA provided over $300,000 to children, families and individuals that needed YMCA services but could not afford them. This program has helped a number of children attend summer camp and receive swim lessons and childcare.
Plan now to attend the 9th annual Hillsborough Hop on Saturday, May 30, 2009. On-line registration will begin on January 1, 2009 at www.active.com . The Hillsborough Family YMCA is a branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA. At the Somerset Valley YMCA, we’re Partnering for a Healthy Community.