Cox, Rome capture FARC 27th Annual St. Paddy’s 8K Run

Marquis Cox and Lauren Rome were the winners of the Freehold Area Running Club’s 27th Annual St. Paddy’s 8K Run March 13.

This year’s race started and finished inside Michael Tighe Park in Freehold Township and took runners along the backroads of Freehold Township on the out-and-back course.

Cox, who lives in Mount Laurel, clocked 26.55 for the metric 5-miler, finishing almost two minutes ahead of runner-up Sam Tenenbaum from Monroe (28:53). Old Bridge’s Thomas Hum was third (30:17).

Rome, a former star at Howell High School, won the women’s race in 31:10. She was eighth overall.

Julie Pampuch from New York was the runner-up (35:26) and Colts Neck’s Ann Dowd was third (36:02).

Completing the overall top 10 were Peter Castronovga, Browns Mill (30:21); Tom Patchett, Ocean Gate (30:35); Anthony Parga, Trenton (30:43); Vincent Ferriola, Millstone (30:52); Rome (31:10); Joe Donovan, Manalapan (31:57); and Jeff Grier, New York (32:24).

Completing the women’s top 10 were Catharine Naszmento, Secaucus (36:07); Sarah Tenenbaum, Monroe (37:04); Kerri Tafrow, Hamilton (37:16); Cynthia Cirri, Hamilton (38:20); Erin Pietsch, Howell (39:01); Mary Morris, Bedminster (39:13); and Barbara Donelik, Middletown (39:35).

The top racewalkers at the St. Paddy’s race were Fred Linkhart of Oakhurst (52:38) and Patti Ferriola of Millstone (54:33), who were the first male and female finishers.

More than 225 competitors finished the 8K race.

For more information on upcoming Freehold Area Running Club events, go to www.farcnj.com.