The Jersey Shore Running Club held their Annual Navesink Challenge 15K and 5K Races on Sunday, November 27, 2011 in the Navesink section of Middletown, NJ. The weather was fantastic with unseasonably warm temperatures at the start in the mid to upper 50’s and warming up to 60 plus at the finish.
It was also a record field for the combined 15K and 5K. Runners lined up at the start in the woods of Bodman Park and made their way to Cooper Road and then they face the “challenges” of the course. For the 5K runners they turned and returned facing a long grinding uphill toward the finish before entering the park and sprinting to the finish. For the 15K participants the first big challenge was what is known to local runners as “kick ass” hill. After that it is just more of the same, with several equally challenging hills. And then to the finish it is the long grind back up Cooper Road. A left turn into the park and the runners arrive at the finish gratified that they met the challenge.
Photos of 5K to include all finishers
Photos of 15K to include all finishers
In the 5K the men’s winner was Gerrard Scalfani of Rutherford, NJ in a time of 17:21 followed by Ryan Denver of Shrewsbury in 17:37 and Sean Rath of Atlantic Highlands in 17:56. For the wiomen it was Caitlin Dorgan of Red Bank in a time of 18:51. Caitlin’s dad – Pat – was one of the founders of the race over ten years ago and was the lead bike on the 15K. She was followed by Ciara Hopkins of Clermont, Florida in 20:20 and then Lisa Zino of Atlantic Highlands in 20:21.
In the 15K the men’s winner was a familiar face on the local racing scene Jeff Propet of Wall who finished in 56:19. He was followed by Ropbert Ezewuiro of Hamilton, NJ in a time of 58:06 and then Ryan Corbettt of Fair Haven in 58:28. For the women it was Samantha Lee of New Providence in 1:02:32 followed by Jessi Kennedy of Morristown in 1:04:28 and then Bronauyn O’Leary of Cliffside Park in 1:05:05.
After the race awards were presented and all were treated to refreshments served by volunteers from the Middletown Youth Athletic Association whic was the race beneficiary. Many participants then continued the party at a local fire house.
Congratulations to Race Directors John Shipley and Rebecca Rothstein for a tremendous event to include the weather.
Runners will have plenty of opportunities to run in the upcoming holiday season to include:
Saturday, Dec 3, 5K and 5 Miles, Poricy Park, Middletown, NJ
Sunday, December 4, 5K, Reindeer Romp, Brick, NJ - Article on Race
Saturday, December 10, 5K,Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis, Lake Como, NJ
Saturday, Dec 10, Big Chill 5K, new Brunswick, NJ
Sunday, December 11, 5K, Jingle Bell Run, Toms River, NJ
Sunday, December 11, 5K, Toys for Tots, Freehold, NJ
Sunday, December 25, 5k, 10k, Marathon, 11 AM, Marathon, Christmas Day Marathon, Van Cortlandt Park, NYC - It's free
Saturday, December 31, 1 PM, 5 Miles, Polar Bear Run, Asbury Park, NJ
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