A Run For Fun and Charity: A Gathering of Fleet Feet for Foundation

Photos

Runners run by. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
The Frankford Foundation's 4th Annual 5k Run/Walk took place on Saturday, July 21, 2012. The location of the event was Frankford Township at Frankford Park. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Troy Marion (31) of Branchville NJ ran the race while pushing his 2 year old son Tyler in a stroller. Marion finished in 30th place Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Thirty three year old Amanda Huffman of Andover, N.J. finished in 33rd place with a time of 27:09.3 Huffman finished in 1st place in the 30-39 women's category. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Alison Cueva of Sparta NJ gives the victory signal. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Runners coming! Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Seventeen year old Julia Dale of Newton, NJ finshed in second place in the 15-19 women category. Dale's time was 24:36.0 Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Seven year old Jessica Rhule and Steve Rhule of Hawley, P.A. along with the family dog ran the race together. Mother Janell Rhule (not pictured) also ran in the race. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Event organizer Laura Smith next to proposed Frankford Fieldhouse drawing. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Fourteen year old Ryan Holzhauer of Andover, N.J. finished in sixth place with a time o f22:30.2 Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Julia Scales of Sparta NJ finished in 12th place with a time of 23:15.3 Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Kristen English (15) of Branchville NJ finished in 4th place with a time of 22:10.2 Credits: George Leroy Hunter
John Smith (26) of Wantage, NJ finished in 3rd place with a time of 22:07.1 Credits: George Leroy Hunter
At far right is Frankford Foundation cofounder Stuart Smith about to announce the start of the race with bullhorn. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Robert Fitzgerald (57) of Bayonne, N.J. finished in second place overall with a time of 21:50.4. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Meghan Radimer (27) of Branchville, N.J. finished in first place with a time of 21:14.3. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Team Eastern members Sean Mayer, Janine Cerra, Julia Scales Phil Gely and Sue Mayer. Team Eastern Captain Laura DeLea and President and CEO Robert B. Nicholson, III are not in the photo. Eastern Propane of Oak Ridge, N.J. sponsors Team Eastern and was a sponsor of the 4th Annual 5K For Frankford Foundation. Credits: George Leroy Hunter
Frankford Foundation volunteers register runners. Credits: George Leroy Hunter

A Run For Fun and Charity: A Gathering of Fleet Feet for Foundation

George Leroy Hunter

Saturday, July 21, 2012 • 9:54pm

FRANKFORD, NJ - A gathering of fleet feet took place early Saturday morning for a race. Runners arrived for the 4th Annual 5K For Frankford Foundation Run/ Family Walk inside Frankford Park.

The start of the race was 9am and runners including organizers were at the race site in advance to stretch and prepare.

The 4th Annual 5K For Frankford Foundation Run/ Family Walk attracted a diverse group of running enthusiasts of varying ages and skill level. Some were seasoned runners, while others were occasional participants in races. Regardless of their background, they all had the same goal in mind. That goal was to compete in a local sports event to have fun and raise money and awareness for a charitable cause.

The Frankford Recreation/Education Foundation (Frankford Foundation for short) is a non-profit community organization based in Frankford Township. The 5K For Frankford Foundation Run/ Family Walk is an arm of the The Frankford Recreation/Education Foundation. Money raised at this event and others like it will go towards various programs and facilities to benefit the Frankford Public Schools and the community at large.

Like many municipalities in America, Frankford faces ongoing financial challenges in the current economic climate. In order to satisfy its obligations and meet its, goals the community through the Frankford Foundation has partnered with business entities to fulfill them. Together they can more effectively serve the needs and interests of Frankford Township, organizers said.

The Frankford Foundation was started in 2009 by Frankford residents Stuart and Laura Smith, along with a few other committee members.

Laura Smith stated "Our goal is to build a education and recreational facility on the grounds of Frankford Township School. This is one of our many fundraising events we have during the year."

Franklin Mutual Insurance, Eastern Propane Corporation, The Chatterbox Drive-In, DKNJ Web Designs and the Sussex County Fairgrounds were among the numerous businesses that sponsored this years 5K For Frankford Foundation Run/ Family Walk.

The race itself began and ended in Frankford Park. The New Jersey State Police supplied assistance by blocking certain streets as runners and walkers made their way through the course. The Blue Ridge Rescue Squad was on standby for emergencies. All participants completed the course.

After the race, awards were given to the top finishers in multiple categories. Also prizes and gift certificates were awarded to guests who took part in the event 50/50 raffle. Participants were provided bottled water and fruit snacks courtesy of the Frankford Foundation.

The top three finishers were as follows:

Meghan Radimer (27) of Branchville, NJ with a time of 21:14.3.

Robert Fitzgerald (57) of Bayonne, NJ with a time of 21:50.4.

John Smith (26)o f Wantage, NJ with a time of 22:07.1.

Runner Robert Fitzgerald of Bayonne at age 57 finished a very respectable second place overall with a time of 21:50.4, out of a field of almost 70 runners.

Fitzgerald said " I've been running cross country races since 1982. I also ran track in high school and college. I have participated the Boston Marathon and the New York Marathon. I have also participated in marathons in Hawaii and Philadelphia and now I just run 5K's to stay in shape and have a good time".

Fitzgerald's fitness level and placing is even more amazing considering he has had both of his hips replaced.

The Frankford Foundation accepts donations and sponsorship's year round. For information on how to become a volunteer, give a donation or become a sponsor, click here to visit the foundations website hosted by Viridian.

Complete race results are here, courtesy of Cool Running.

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