Huge Success Despite Weather BY LAURIE GORDON NEWTON, NJ--Despite a cold and nasty day, people of all ages traveled from all over the East Coast to Swartswood State Park on Saturday, April 11 to support the inaugural Run to Read 5K. Some ran or walked the 3.1-mile race while others came to spectate and make donations of gently used books. Twenty-three-year-old Dave Moore drove three hours from State College, PA to run in the race and was the race champion turning in a blazing 15:49 on the double-loop course. With less than ideal conditions he came within just 30 seconds of the Park course record set several years ago by Newton High School standout Ray Biersback. Third place finisher, Ryan Hashway of East Stroudsburg, PA comes to many of the annual charity races held at Swartswood. "It's great to see a new race for a new charity," he said. Hashway, who coaches at North Warren High School and brought some of his athletes to the event, said, "The weather may have not been the best, but hey, in a few months we'll be complaining about the heat!" Fourth place finisher, David Hooper, is another fan of the charity races held at the park. "It was between going to a race in New York City or coming up to the country," said the Morristown, NJ resident. "It was a no-brainer to come here. They're always good events for great causes and they keep the entry fees reasonable compared to a lot of other races where the registration fees have shot sky high." One of Hashway's athletes, Lindsey McKee, was the female champion, running 19:09. She and her twin sister, Melissa, hail from Blairstown and will be running for The University of Alabama in the fall. The race was the idea of Stillwater New Jersey native, Amanda Gordon, and her friend, Meghan Kennedy who are both seniors at Clemson University and who will be teaching English in rural Costa Rica this summer. "It was great to see such a good turnout especially on day like that," Kennedy said. Gordon, who learned first hand what goes into directing a race, added, "It was a lot of work, but worth it to see so many people come out for the cause and enjoy the event."
1. Dave Moore 15:49 |
