7d7b7a6cadaa37530723be7a36d7b740.jpg

HILLSBOROUGH: Resolution Run distributes $8,200 in proceeds

   The Resolution Run 5K Committee has distributed $8,200 to the beneficiaries of its Jan. 1 charity footrace.
   The race has been held each New Year’s Day since 2002 and is organized by the Resolutions for Others Foundation, a Hillsborough-based non-profit group.
   This year, under partly clear skies with temperatures in the mid-40s, 600 runners and walkers took to the streets of Hillsborough at 11 a.m. to help celebrate the New Year.
   A majority of the proceeds benefit Project Graduation 2013, which is an all-night, alcohol- and drug-free celebration planned and carried out by parents and community volunteers to help ensure the safety of Hillsborough’s graduating class.
   Proceeds also benefit three pet rescue organizations: Carol’s Cats, Companion Animal Placement and Greyhounds of NJ.
   The top male runner was Brian Crowley, of Hillsborough, and the fastest female was Kavitha Manley, of Piscataway. Crowley, 48, a masters’ runner, finished in a time of 16:43.61, while Manley, 38, finished in 19:34.05. The female finish was especially competitive, with the top three finishing within eight seconds of each other.
   The Resolution Run 5K depends on volunteers and business sponsors to support the race. More than 40 volunteers helped with indoor and outdoor activities, such as race number distribution, course marshals, finish-line organization and post-race food distribution. Project Graduation supplied students and parents as volunteers. The benefit pet groups also had volunteers.
   The Somerset Runners Group supported volunteers for the Race Committee throughout the year and day of the race.
   According to Kevin Katmann, volunteer coordinator, “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 or on its Facebook page. Some volunteers have been with us since the beginning.”
   All 600 participants must pre-register; there is no registration on race day.
   ”This year, we closed on Dec. 11, one of our earliest ever,” said Gary Verhoorn, race director.
   Runners 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 Dale Cyburt and George Jarvis, 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 times, awards were given to the oldest (89 years old) and youngest (6) as well as the farthest travel (Dublin, Ireland).
   When registering, runners were asked to supply an optional resolution. Special awards for the most meaningful, the funniest and most original resolutions were given. All resolutions are listed on their website, www.resolutionrun.org.
   ”Reading the resolutions throughout the year can be a continuing source of enjoyment and amusement,” Mr. Verhoorn said.
Thanks were expressed to the township police department, rescue squad, township administration, Township Committee, Board of Education and the township Youth Services Committee and its Project Graduation Committee.
   In addition to fees from runners, business sponsors ensure the success of the Resolution Run.
   The presenting sponsor was Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC.
   The platinum sponsor was Hillsborough Podiatry Group.
   Gold sponsors consisted of Advanced Eyecare & Vision Gallery/Dr. Barbara J. Tarbell, Applebee’s Family Restaurant, Efinger Sporting Goods, Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, attorney Joseph Cioce, Just Subs, attorneys Koerner & Crane, Nielsen Financial Group, Petrock’s Bar & Grille, Philly Pretzel Factory, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Shop-Rite of Hillsborough, 10×10 Home Body Fitness and Wegman’s of Bridgewater.
   The bank honor role sponsor was Peapack-Gladstone Bank.
   Patrons included Central Jersey Nurseries, Dubitsky Dental, 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, Van Cleef Engineering Associates and the Women’s Club of Hillsborough.
   Information about the race is updated at www.resolutionrun.org and on the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/resolutionrun5k.