Resolutions Highlight of New Year's Run

 "Qualify for Boston (Marathon)."

 "Stop getting lost on my way home from work."

 "To floss every day."

The resolutions submitted when registering for Hillsborough's Jan. 1 Resolution Run range from simple activities—like flossing teeth—to much loftier goals—qualifying for one of the most well-known marathons in the world—but, not matter what the resolutions are, all race participants are expected to submit one when registering.

And, they have a chance to win a prize for the most unique pledge of the coming year.

That's the spirit embodied during the race's creation ten years ago, according to Race Director and organizer Gary Verhoorn.

"Basically, we wanted to have a local race that would be fun to do on New Year's Day," Verhoorn said.  "I'd been to a couple 5K races in other towns called hangover races, and decided to plan the Resolution Run."

Since the event is meant to benefit the community, profits from it benefit local charities, some of which Verhoorn found by accident, he said.  This year's charities include Hillsborough High School's Project Graduation, an all-night drug and alcohol free celebration for the graduating class, Carol's Cats, which works with feral and stray cats, the Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, which rescues the racing dogs once they're retired, and Companion Animal Placement, which works with local and national animal rescue organizations, according to Verhoorn.

Support from local businesses helps the event as well, though Verhoorn noted it's been harder for businesses to support the event because of the economy.

"The businesses just have less money than they used to and that's fine," he said.  "It just means we have to do a little more work."

Work involves ensuring there are enough race bibs for racers, having refreshments at the end of the 3.1-mile course, and having volunteers to staff the day. Verhoorn limits the open race slots to 600 racers, and it routinely sells out before the December 25 registration deadline, he said.

"I can't say I enjoy New Year's Eve much anymore, but it's all worth it on January 1," Verhoorn said.

The run features a walker-friendly looped course and is meant as a fun run rather than a competitive event.

"People call me and ask me, I don't want to be the last," Verhoorn said.  "It's a flat course with no hills."

Even those who couldn't register for the race before slots filled have an opportunity to participate.  Verhoorn can always use volunteers, who can apply to help at the race website, www.resolutionrun.org, or by calling him at 908-285-0383.

"We sell it as a healthful way to start up the New Year," Verhoorn said.  "We just find think of it the same way we do.  They bring their families and they have fun."