Sports

Nice Weather, Course Record Mark Resolution Run

A look back at the 11th annual New Year's Day event in Hillsborough.

Under clear skies with unseasonably warm temperatures, hundreds of runners and walkers took to the streets of Hillsborough on Sunday, Jan. 1 to help celebrate the New Year.

The 11th edition of the Resolution Run 5K started from the promptly at 11 am. The 3.1-mile race benefited Hillsborough High School’s Project Graduation and three pet rescue organizations.

Jordan Magath, of Hillsborough, set a new course record of 15 minutes, 50 seconds while leading the pack the entire distance.  Magath, a standout runner with , now runs for the University of Connecticut where he is compiling some significant times. 

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Female winner Kavitha Manley, of Piscataway, crossed the finish line in 19 minutes, 28 seconds, just 21 seconds in front of Hillsborough’s Mary Dombrowski, who won .  The female course record of 19:12, set by Ashley Uniszkiewicz, of Hillsborough in 2003, remains intact.

According to Race Director Gary Verhoorn, “Weather conditions were ideal.  In fact, for a race held on New Year’s Day, weather conditions were better than we could have ever expected.”  With a temperature at race start of 50 degrees, hundreds of runners and walkers enjoyed the balmy winter’s day.

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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.” 

There were 600 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 9, the earliest ever,” Verhoorn said.  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 Sally Ibrahim and Elaine Kokinda, 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 (88 years old) and Youngest (8 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 the website.  None are identified by name, but it provides a place to go to track your resolution throughout the year.  “Reading the resolutions throughout the year is a continuing source of enjoyment and amusement,” Verhoorn noted.

The Hillsborough Police Department, the Rescue Squad and the Township Committee were thanked for their assistance.

The race benefits Carol’s Cats, Companion Animal Placement and Greyhounds of NJ in addition to Project Graduation 2012.

Presenting Sponsor:  Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC

Platinum Sponsors:  Joseph Cioce, Attorney At Law; Hillsborough Podiatry Group.

Gold Sponsors:  Advanced Eyecare & Vision Gallery-Dr Barbara J Tarbell; Applebee’s Family Restaurant; Efinger Sporting Goods; Just Subs; Koerner & Crane, Attorneys; Nielsen Financial Group, LLC; Petrock’s Bar & Grille; Philly Pretzel Factory; Princeton Orthopaedic Associates; Reckitt Benckiser and Shop Rite.

Bank Honor Role Sponsor:  Peapack Gladstone Bank

Patrons:  All 4 Her Sports; Bfit4U, A Zumba Studio and More!; Central Jersey Nurseries; Dubitsky Dental; Harlingen Veterinary Clinic; Gregory D Hirsch, MD; 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, Wegman’s of Bridgewater and the Women’s Club of Hillsborough.

Contributions were received from The Catered Affair and Stop & Shop.

Submitted by Gary Verhoorn.


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