Run Organizers Present Donations to Project Graduation, Pet Groups

The Resolution Run 5K Committee recently distributed checks to the beneficiaries of the Jan. 1 charity event. 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, hundreds of runners and walkers took to the streets of Hillsborough to help celebrate the New Year. The Twelfth edition of the Resolution Run 5K started from the Peter J Biondi Building promptly at 11 a.m.

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. A portion of the proceeds also benefit three pet rescue organizations, Carol’s Cats, Companion Animal Placement and Greyhounds of NJ

The top male and female runners were Brian Crowley, of Hillsborough, and Kavitha Manley, of Piscataway. Crowley, a Masters runner, finished in a time of 16:43.61, while Manley 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.

According to Kevin Katmann, Volunteer Coordinator for the race, “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, www.resolutionrun.org, or on its Facebook page. Some volunteers have been with us since the beginning.”

Six hundred runners and walkers registered for the event. All participants must pre-register and when 600 spaces are sold out, registration is closed. “This year, we closed on December 11, one of our earliest ever,” said Gary Verhoorn, Race Director. There is no registration on Raceday. In addition to fees from runners, Business Sponsors ensure the success of the Resolution Run, and Sponsors are shown below.

All runners crossing the finish line received a Finishers 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 running times, awards were given to the Oldest (89 years old) and Youngest (6 years old) 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,” Verhoorn noted.

The Race Committee thanked the 600 runners who participated in the event. “After all, without them, the community event never would have taken place!” Verhoorn noted.

Thanks were also expressed to the Hillsborough Township Police Department, the Hillsborough Rescue Squad, the Township Administration, the Municipal Committee, the Board of Education and the Township Youth Services Committee and its Project Graduation Committee.

In addition, over 40 volunteers were on hand to help with indoor and outdoor activities, such as race number distribution, course marshals, finish line organization and post-race food distribution. Project Graduation supplied numerous students and parents as volunteers. The benefit pet groups also had volunteers. The Somerset Runners Group supported the Race Committee throughout the year and also on the day of the race with additional volunteers.

The Presenting Sponsor was Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC.

The Platinum Sponsor this year 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, Joseph Cioce, Attorney at Law, Just Subs, Koerner & Crane, Attorneys, Nielsen Financial Group, LLC; Petrock’s Bar & Grille, Philly Pretzel Factory, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Shop Rite of Hillsborough, 10x10 Home Body Fitness and Wegman’s of Bridgewater.

The 2013 Bank Honor Role Sponsor was Peapack Gladstone Bank.

Patrons included Central Jersey Nurseries, Dubitsky Dental, JML Landscaping, Kathleen Academy of Dance, William J Kohlhepp, Jr, Attorney At Law, Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, Route 206 Farmer’s Market, Schilke Construction Co, StrengthCondition.com, Van Cleef Engineering Associates the Women’s Club of Hillsborough.

Information about the race is updated at on the Resolution Run website, and on a Facebook page.

Submitted by Gary Verhoorn