BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - With beautiful sunshine and lots of iPods, runner of all ages took to the street to raise money for a good cause. On Sunday, September 20, 2009, fitness aficionados put on their running shoes and ran the 2009 Berkeley Heights 5K Charity Road Race and Fitness Walk. Many racers came out in full force as the charity event had sponsors from all across town donating time and money. When the final runner passed the finish line, the final tally helped push the charity event over $80,000 dollars and lots of tired but happy racers celebrated in their victory.

The event was held in Memorial Field, on Park Avenue, and featured a DJ spinning great music and patrons from Berkeley Heights supporting their town. Sponsors like Allstate, Smith Chiropractic and the Wounded Warrior Project had display tables and featured information from their association. Each table offered a special feature to the public. One table offered free bagels, sports drinks and water for the runners after the race. Another table was giving free pre- and post- sports massages to loosen aching muscles and bones. Runners who pre-registered by September 10th received a custom designed race T-Shirt with a race "goodie" bag. The entry fee was 20 dollars for the general public and 18 dollars for USTAF members. Awards were given to the top runners in age groups and gender groups.

The race started at 9:30 a.m. with all the runners starting out on Bolton Blvd and ending back at Memorial Field. For those runners who felt 5K was too long, a Fitness Walk of 1.5K was also held. Many children also had a chance to race for the finish line as a Free Fun Run and Tot Trots were held on the field at 10:30 a.m. Children from 2 to age 11 were given the chance to make a mad dash across the soccer field.

Dr. Patrick R. Smith, of Smith Chiropractic in Berkeley Heights, organized the event for the past 13 years and was a key player for the entire event. "As a result of this race, we have had two other races start including the Our House 5K Race, who is a beneficiary of today’s fund raising," said Dr. Smith. "We think we have a great event; my business is health and we are promoting health here today. We are pulling a lot of aspects here together like volunteers, community support and healthy living." Dr. Smith also spoke about how the sponsors helped make the race possible. "We have great sponsors and they really came through in a down economy. We are blessed to have such a group of sponsors who are featured here today and online," said Dr. Smith.

Among the sponsors on hand for the event was the Wounded Warrior Project who help returning veterans back from current conflicts. Michael Johnson, from Wayne, NJ, represented the association and spoke about the association. "We are more then happy to come out and give information about how we help the soldiers," said Johnson. "With the help of the public, we can help wounded soldiers. They need help and with our help we can get them back to were they need to be in their civilian lives," said Johnson. Residents can go online and check out the newest nationally accredited associations’ website for more information: www.woundedwarriorproject.org  

At the end of the race, awards and prizes were given out to the public; including two iPods, pairs of running shoes and gift certificates to local restaurants in the area. The awards for all age categories were handed out from the DJ booth, including honorary applause for several women who were in the 70+ year old age group and two men who raced in the 80+ year old category.

The men’s overall winner award went to C. J. DeFabio, who ran the race at a blistering 16:43. "It was a great day for running and I have to thank all the great sponsors who made the day a perfect day; you couldn’t ask for more." said DeFabio. DeFabio is a Cross Country runner for Watchung Hills Regional High School. The Ladies overall top runner award went to Stephanie Campo, who came across the line at 18:45. Campo plays soccer for her high school and said the race was hard, but lots of fun.

Many residents raced with their family members in either the 5K run or the 1.5K run. Darlene and Lindsey Donegan from Millington, NJ in Monroe Township completed the race in less than 29 minutes. Darlene Donegan spoke about how her and her daughter have enjoyed the race for years. "For us, it was a lot of fun because Lindsey came out with me in a running stroller when she was 1 year old. We have been running for 10 years. We ran for a good cause today," said Donegan.

Residents of Berkeley Heights are encouraged to visit the race on the web at www.berkeleyheights5k.com to learn more about health issues, support fundraising and get involved with next year’s event. Race photos, a list of full sponsors and other information is available on the site.

Dr. Patrick R. Smith of Smith Chiropractic at the Finish Line Photo by J. R. Warnet

Michael Johnson and a guest from the Wounded Warrior Project Photo by J. R. Warnet

Lindsey and Darlene Donegan of Millington after the 5K Race Photo by J.R. Warnet

Children run as fast as the can in the Free Fun Runs at Memorial Field Photo by J.R. Warnet

A family of runners competes in the Berkeley Heights 5K Race. Photo by J.R. Warnet