SPRINGFIELD: Harvest Run approaches

By David Kilby, Special Writer
   SPRINGFIELD — The Recreation Department is encouraging adults to get out and enjoy the fall weather with its inaugural Springfield Harvest Run on Oct. 27.
   ”If anyone is interested in being a sponsor, it’s not too late to join on,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Sobotka. “The promotional opportunity is that (sponsors) will be advertised on the website for Springfield recreation for a full year.”
   The route of the Springfield Harvest Run will go from the municipal building on Island Road to Jobstown-Columbus Road, then to Folwell Station Road, then to Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, covering 3.1 miles or 5 kilometers.
   Onsite registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and costs $25. Runners can register online for $20.
   The Recreation Department still is accepting sponsors for the event. Sponsors’ logos will be placed on the back of the 5K T-shirts that will be given to every runner.
   The Springfield Recreation Committee is finishing up with getting all of the details in place for the run, such as getting the county to close Jacksonville-Jobstown Road, a county road, for an hour during the run, making sure police can be present to direct traffic and making sure emergency medical services will be present for the runners’ safety.
   The Recreation Department also hosts baseball, softball and lacrosse for children in town. Dave Lebak, chairman of the Springfield Recreation Committee, said most recreational events are geared toward children so this run is an attempt to give adults a reason to enjoy the brisk autumn weather.
   ”This is another type of activity we’re offering to a different group of people,” he said.
   To go along with the common custom of hosting a 5K run for a cause, Mr. Lebak said the main reason for this run is to promote more recreational activities for adults.
   ””We’re trying to enhance things in the Recreation Department,” he said, adding a 5K run is the perfect chance to do just that. “So many people are into running now.”
   He said the run is going to be tied into the Fall Festival, which will have a hay maze, a chili cook-off, crafts vendors, food and refreshments and games for kids.
   There will be a kid’s run around the park after the 5K run as well. The plan is to have everyone go to the festival after the two runs.
   All participants in the run get a T-shirt and a pumpkin. Bananas and water will be available for them as well. Also, a professional timer will keep track of every runner’s time and post it online at www.racingnj.com.
   ”Even if we just break even, if it provides an opportunity to get outside, it’s a good deal,” Mr. Lebak said.
Runners, to register online, visit www.springfieldtownshiprec.org.