RIDGEWOOD RUN TOMORROW OFFERS 5K CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MASTERS WOMEN, 10K FOR ALL
Many area runners will be leaving home early tomorrow, Monday, to head for Ridgewood for the Ridgewood Runs. This year the 5K is hosting the USATF-NJ Masters women championship making for a slight dilemma for some. First on the day’s schedule is the 10K race, followed by the 5K. Many runners like to run in both races but women who are competing for individual awards, or on club teams, will have to forgo the 10K to concentrate on the 5K, or hold back in the 10K so there is something left for the 5K.
Adding to the pressure is prize money being offered for individuals in the 5K and for the top teams. [ 5K results | 10K results ]
LOADED WEEKEND AHEAD JUNE 4TH AND 5TH FOR MORRIS AREA RUNNERS
Coming up is one of those weekends that both runners and race directors alike shudder to contemplate. For the runners, it means that they must pick and choose which race out of several they will go to, and for race directors, it means hoping that the runners will choose theirs. There is nothing to fault in any of the almost half dozen races coming up and something to recommend all of them.
One major selling point for the Stillwater Stampede 5 K at Swartswood State Park is that it is taking place on Saturday while most of the others are on Sunday. It was the first of several races that take place at the park, hosted by the Sussex Bears Running Club. While not in Morris County the race has wide support from area runners. Originally a five mile race, the Stampede has morphed into a 5K, making it more of a draw for many.
Prize money is offered for first through third place beginning at $100.00 as well as a $100.00 bonus for breaking the course record of 15:46 for men, and 18:21 for women. The 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. and a mile race goes off at 10:00 a.m.
In 2004 friends and classmates of Pamela Miller, ran in the inaugural 5K in her memory. Miller died in 2003 while running, due to undetected heart disease. Over 400 finished the race in 2004 with as many or more expected this year. It takes place on Saturday in Rockaway. Start time is at 9:00 a.m.
A new race, and like the Stillwater race, not in Morris County, can still be expected to draw area runners, especially those in western Morris County. On Sunday the Hackettstown 5K to benefit Hackettstown High School’s Fitness Center will be held at the high school on Warren Street. The event has something for everyone, a walk, kids races, and the 5K run, which starts at 9:30 a.m.
In 2004 the Firehouse Pizza Run 5K that starts at Madison High School and takes the runners to the Cheshire Home in Florham Park took a by, but it has returned and is taking place on Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday evening the Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge wraps up the weekend in Basking Ridge. The 5K that goes off at 6:00 p.m. is a double loop over macadam, grass and stone. There is also a kids run and a one mile walk, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
SNEAKER FACTORY PLACES OVER MORRIS COUNTY STRIDERS AT WOMEN’S RACE
At last Sundays Open Women’s championship at the Run for Rachel 5K in Livingston, the Sneaker Factory women, lead by Heather Gracie Petty of Peapack, who finished sixth in 18:54, placed second in the team competition. Mizuno’s Runners High out of Metuchen were first. The Morris County Striders, lead by Karen Layton of Rockaway, who placed tenth in 19:29, placed fourth.
COMING UP – MONDAY NIGHT RACING BEGINS ON JUNE 6TH
The first of the Monday night summer races, the Merry Heart 5K returns to Eisenhower Middle School in Succasunna starting at 7:00 p.m.
CORRECTION: In last week’s column, it should have read that the Sneaker Factory men’s teams finished ahead of the Morris County Striders in only one division, the Open Men’s. In all other men’s divisions the Striders placed ahead of the Sneaker Factory.
Published in the DAILY RECORD on Sunday, May 29, 2005
Copyright Madeline Bost, 2005