It was rush hour in Freehold Township Sunday as a record number of runners took to the back roads for the 13th annual Nestlé St. Paddy’s 10-Mile Run and its accompanying Windmill Leprechaun 5K. This year’s Freehold Area Running Club event attracted more than 1,100 runners, the most ever in its history.
VERONICA YANKOWSKI Runners take off for the St. Paddy’s Day 10-mile race at Mike Tighe Park in Freehold on Sunday.
It was Tinton Falls’ Rob DeFilippis who ran off with the 10-mile race that began and finished in Michael J. Tighe Park, Georgia Road. But it was 11-year-old Briana Jackucewicz of Farmingdale who stole the show, winning the women’s title.
DeFilippis was pushed all the way to the finish line in Tighe Park by Holmdel’s Eric Escorcia. Just five seconds separated the runners at the finish. DeFilippis posted a 54:43, while Escorcia ran a 54:48 in what was one of the closest finishes in the history of the race.
Point Pleasant’s Joe Donahue was third (58:22), followed by Jackson’s Mike Mooney (58:26) and Belmar’s Martin Viera (59:51), who were fourth and fifth respectively.
Rounding out the men’s top 10 were Doug FitzHenry, Edison (1:00.06); Ken McGann, Marlboro (1:00.36); Chong-Hwan Son, Palisades Park (1:01.17); Paul Daniele, Morganville (1:01.13); and Eric Patron, Jackson (1:01.20).
Youth was served in the women’s race as Jackucewicz, who finished third last year in her first 10-miler, won by almost two minutes over Belmar’s Megan Phillips.
The young sensation turned in a 1:02.06, with Phillips second at 1:04.02.
Ema Piccolella of Millstone ran third just behind Phillips at 1:04.15. Fourth and fifth went to Ilona Bella of Edison (1:05.39) and Myrna Rosal of West Orange (1:05.51).
Rounding out the women’s top 10 were Kathleen Rocker, Metuchen (1:07.11); Ann O’Dowd, Old Bridge (1:08.16); Rose McManus, Lincoln Park (1:08.58); Jennifer Marion, Verona (1:09.47); and Jane Erbe, Manasquan (1:09.56).
Jack Lach of Marlboro was first in the race walking division, clocking 1:30.57. Second place went to Shawn Frederick from Palisades Park, 1:31.21. Third place was Billy Wides from Florham Park, 1:36.55.
Sherry Brosnahan from Bridgewater was the women’s race walk winner, posting a 1.38.04. Janice Stuart, Paramus, was second in 1:42, and third place went to another Paramus walker Victoria Dellaquia, 1:48.11.
South River’s Dave DeMonico, a former winner of the 10-miler, stepped down to the 5K this year with a familiar result, victory. He posted a 16:32 for the 3.1-mile race, which is in its eighth year of competition.
Brielle’s Gerard Pealberg was runner-up to DeMonico with a 16:43, while Brian Shea of Mantaloking (16:44) was a second behind in third place. Bob Horn of Brick (17:05) and Dan Campbell of Long Branch (17:13) were fourth and fifth.
Rounding out the top 10 were Louis Malizioso, Middletown (17:26); Douglas Campbell, Lincroft (17:37); Jon Gloth, Freehold (17:48); John Reagan, Colts Neck (17:52); and David Rosenblatt, Robbinsville (17:55).
Titusville’s Natalie Jones won the women’s 5K in a quick 18:51. Old Bridge’s Stephanie Zottoli, also 17, was next at 19:31. Just two seconds back in third was Jackson’s Jennifer Clausen (19:33). Maggie Freeman of Spring Lake Heights ran 19:48 in fourth, while Danielle Soldo of East Windsor posted a 20:20 for fifth.
Other top finishers locally were Howell’s Kellee Hand (21:34), eighth, and Jackson’s Meg Winterbottom (21:42), ninth.
The Nestlé St. Paddy’s 10-Mile Run and the Windmill Leprechaun 5K races were FARC fund-raising events. Proceeds from the races go to the PBA Torch Run for Special Olympics, Freehold Township recreation programs, CentraState Medical Center’s cardiac program, the FARC’s scholarship fund, and other local charities.
For information on upcoming FARC events or for more information on the club, call (732) 431-2627, or visit the Web site at www.farcnj.comDeFilippis, Jackucewicz win Nestlé St. Paddy’s 10-miler
DeMonico wins Windmill Leprechaun 5K
By tim morris
Staff Writer.