MAY IS LACKING IN LOCAL RACES
There is no shortage of races in New Jersey, but the Morris area is sadly lacking in local races. I say sadly, because, you the reader, if you have been in the state for more than two years, know, deep in your soul that something is missing.
You know the schedule. The first Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby, the second Sunday in May is Mother's Day and the third Sunday in May is . . . .
Once upon a time the answer would be the Midland Run. The premier 15 kilometer road race that was held at Mooreland Farm in Far Hills. It was an all-day affair that would attract several thousand runners. It was a Field Day for runners, beginning with the most technical of road races. To be competitive you had to know the course and how to run it. The Midland Run 15K was the ultimate test of your ability as a runner.
In New Jersey all training pointed toward it. In 2006, the race was canceled. Bam! Canceled. We may never see its like again.
The first local race took place yesterday in Chester with the Xercise 5K. Next up is the Madison High Five on May 6th. Family participation is encouraged with a series of kid's fun runs that begin at 11:00 a.m. The 5K goes off at 10:00 a.m.
Looking for the Wyeth 5K Run with Pride? Careful. Hasn't it always been on a Wednesday evening? This year the race, which takes place at the Giralda Farms corporate complex off Madison Avenue in Madison inches over to Thursday, May 10th.
The Wyeth 5K has a huge corporate team competition, but it is also a grand prix event and draws fast talent as well as the corporate runners. Pre-registration is advised, as is true with all evening races. The race goes off at 6:30 p.m.
On Saturday May 19th the Firehouse Pizza Run 5K will start at Madison High School at 9:00 a.m. and end at Cheshire Home, a facility for physically disabled adults in Florham Park.
THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS MONTH
While none are in Morris County, three USATF-NJ championship races will draw plenty of local runners. The first is this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. in Summit. The Our House five mile race is the Masters men and women championship. It will draw clubs from around the state, including the Morris County Striders and the Sneaker Factory.
Last week, at the Run for Rachel 5K in Livingston, which was the Open Women's championship, the Running Company placed first, led in by Sarah Muhlbradt, of Morristown in 18:45. The Striders placed second with Diane Ross of Flanders leading her team to the tape in 18:36.
Open Men and Women will compete in the Newport 10,000 at Newport Town Square in Jersey City on Saturday, May 12th. At the end of the month the Ridgewood Run 10K is the Masters Men and Women's championship. So while there are not a lot of local races this month, there is still plenty of racing.
NEED A 15K TO FILL THE VOID?
Still itching for a 15K the third Sunday in May? Head east to Saddle River Park in Bergen County for the Gilda's Run 15K on Sunday, May 20th. The course is pretty tame compared to the Midland, but it's the right distance. Have fun.
A UNIQUE RECIPE BOOK FOR A GOOD CAUSE
In an instant ones life can take a turn that will change that life forever. Two years ago, Karen Mishler, one of the founding members of the Essex Running Club was riding her bike in Brookdale Park. A branch in the pathway caught in the spokes of her bike, bringing her to a dead stop. Mishler tumbled over the handlebars and landed in such a way that she is basically paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.
Searching for a way to help their friend and her husband Bill, with medical expenses, the running club members decided to put together a recipe book. Not only is the little book filled with a variety of recipes that have been well tested in the kitchens of club members, but interspersed are loads of really helpful cooking hints.
The one-of-a-kind cookbook is available for purchase for $10.00, which includes shipping. Make your check payable to Essex Running Club and mail to P.O. Box 183, Verona, NJ 07044.
Originally published by the DAILY RECORD of Morris County, New Jersey on Sunday, May 6, 2007
Copyright, Madeline Bost, 2007
