Under clear skies with unseasonable temperatures in the 50s, 600 runners and walkers took to the streets of Hillsborough on Sunday, Jan. 1, to help celebrate the New Year.
The 11th edition of the Resolution Run 5K started from the Municipal Building promptly at 11 am. The 3.1-mile race benefited Hillsborough High School’s Project Graduation and three pet rescue organizations.
Jordan Magath of Hillsborough set a course record of 15 minutes, 50 seconds while leading the pack the entire distance. Magath, a standout runner with Hillsborough High School, now runs for the University of Connecticut.
Female winner Kavitha Manley of Piscataway crossed the finish line in 19 minutes, 28 seconds, just 21 seconds in front of Hillsborough’s Mary Dombrowski, who won last year’s Resolution Run female title. The female course record of 19:12, set by Ashley Uniszkiewicz of Hillsborough in 2003, remains intact.
According to Race Director Gary Verhoorn, “Weather conditions were ideal. In fact, for a race held on New Year’s Day, weather conditions were better than we could have ever expected.”
The Resolution Run 5K depends on volunteers and business sponsors to support the race. According to Volunteer Coordinator Kevin Katmann, “This year we had a dedicated group from the Somerset Runners Club, as well as Project Graduation and others, who heard about the race from its website, www.resolutionrun.org, or on its Facebook page. Some volunteers have been with us since the beginning.”
Participants must pre-register; when 600 spaces sold out, registration ended. There is no registration on race day
”This year, we closed on Dec. 9, the earliest ever,” said Mr. Verhoorn.
In addition to fees from runners, business sponsors ensure the success of the run.
All runners crossing the finish line received a finisher’s ribbon to go along with their Resolution Run hoody and a goody bag. They were treated to warm pretzels, water and fruit to help them recover. According to Sally Ibrahim and Elaine Kokinda, key volunteers in the sweatshirt and food distribution areas, “Runners and walkers were happy to start the New Year off with such a positive event.”
There were a total of 110 awards, including plaques, gift certificates and merchandise, bestowed on participants. Beside the usual awards for the best running times, awards were given to the oldest (88 years old) and youngest (age 8) as well as the farthest travel (Dublin, Ireland).
When registering, runners were asked to supply an optional resolution. Special awards were given for the most meaningful, the funniest and most original resolutions. All resolutions are listed on the website; none are identified by name, but it provides a place to go to track your resolution throughout the year.
”Reading the resolutions throughout the year is a continuing source of enjoyment and amusement,” Mr. Verhoorn noted.
The Hillsborough Police Department, the rescue squad and the Township Committee were thanked for their assistance.
The race benefits Carol’s Cats, Companion Animal Placement and Greyhounds of NJ, in addition to Project Graduation 2012.
Presenting sponsor was Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC.
Platinum Sponsors were attorney Joseph Cioce and Hillsborough Podiatry Group.
Gold Sponsors: Dr Barbara J Tarbell and Advanced Eyecare & Vision Gallery; Applebee’s Family Restaurant; Efinger Sporting Goods; Just Subs; attorneys Koerner & Crane; Nielsen Financial Group, LLC; Petrock’s Bar & Grille; Philly Pretzel Factory; Princeton Orthopaedic Associates; Reckitt Benckiser and Shop Rite.
Bank Honor Role Sponsor was Peapack-Gladstone Bank
Patrons: All 4 Her Sports; Bfit4U, A Zumba Studio and More!; Central Jersey Nurseries; Dubitsky Dental; Harlingen Veterinary Clinic; Gregory D. Hirsch, MD; JML Landscaping; Kathleen Academy of Dance; attorney William J Kohlhepp, Jr.; Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe; Route 206 Farmer’s Market; Schilke Construction Co.; StrengthCondition.com
