The weather was near ideal for the 18th Annual Saturday in the Park 5K held on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at Holmdel Park in Holmdel, NJ. There was a bit of a chill in the air prior to the race like an early fall day. As the 9 AM race time approached the sun came out and temperatures were in the low 70’s with just a slight breeze.
Photos of Start and All Finishers - Results
The runners lined up at the start with Jersey Shore Running club’s Dawn Ciccone singing the national anthem before the order was given to start. Phil Hinck gave directions to the runners and gave the order to start. From the starting line it was a long climb up hill and then into the woods with some nice shade to keep the runners comfortable. Once up the hill they then circumvented the famous or infamous “bowl” with some challenging hills. From there they entered the woods again and made their way down hill mostly but along some challenging trails. As they came out of the woods the runners could see the finish line about a half mile on the open field and for most it was a welcome sight.
Photos of Start and All Finishers - Results
Coming in first was Kristen Traub age 17 of Wayne, NJ in a time of 19:06. She was followed close behind by Briana Gess of Haddonfield, NJ age 13 in a time of 19:22 and then Brianna Feerst age 17 of Brick in 19:34; Grace Dwyer of Mercerville, NJ age 13 in 20:17 and then Ashley Carle age 16 of Jackson, NJ. Making it a "teen sweep" of the top five spots. The race itself being 18 years old is older than the top five finishers.
Not to be outdone by the youngsters was Betty Fibbons who came in first in the 80 Plus age group category.
Pamela and Briana Gess came in first in th mother/daughter category with a combined time of 41:27 almost 7 minutes faster than their closest competitor in that category.
Molly and Megan Hellman were the sister/sister winners with a combined time of 45:29.
The first race walker was Panse Geer of Hazlet in a time of 30:28.
Kids races of various distances were held after the 5k on the field near the finish area. All were winners.
Awards were presented to overall finishers as well as age group and other categories. The “rundamentals” training group was recognized for their perseverance in completing their first 5k race by Liz Ireland the groups coach.
According to Race Director Penny Hinck of the Jersey Shore Running club the race benefitted several local women’s charitable organizations and overt the history of the race it has contributed several hundred thousand dollars to those causes.
Runners will have plenty to choose from in coming weeks to include:
Monday, September 5, 5K, Pier House 5K, Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ - Jersey Shore Grand Prix Race Article on Race
Monday, Sept 5, Eatontown 5k, Eatontown, NJ
Saturday, September 10,10k, Brielle Day 10K , Brielle, NJ, Brielle Day App - Article
Saturday, Sept 10, Fallen Heroes 5K, Lake Como, NJ
Sunday, September 11, 6 PM, 9 - 11 Memorial Run, Belmar, NJ - Article
Saturday, September 17, 5K, 9 AM,Tanner's Run, Sawmill, Seaside Park, NJ
Saturday, September 17, 9 AM, 5K, 12th Annual Run for the Arts, Ocean Grove, NJ
Saturday, September 17,1 Mile - 9:30 AM, 5K - 10 AM, Run for Education, Dunellen, NJ
Saturday, Sept 17,8 AM, Seafood 5k, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Sunday, September 18, 2011, 10:00am, Jersey Shore University Medical Center 5k Run and Community Day, Neptune, NJ Register now for special rate extended -Article on race
Saturday, September 24, 10K, 5K, and 10 K Two Person Relay, Asbury Park Boardwalk Races Against Hunger, Asbury Park, NJ - Including Pajama Run and Giant Pajama Party at Stone Pony - Lots of Pajama Awards - Article on Event
Saturday, September 24, 5K, 9 AM, Race for Respect, Seaside Park, NJ
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