HILLSBOROUGH: Runners ring in the new year in fundraising bid for ‘Project Graduation’

By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Starting the new year on the right foot took a literal meaning for nearly 530 people on an unseasonably New Year’s Day this year, as people hailing from as far as Great Britain came to Hillsborough to compete in the sixth annual Resolution Run 5K., Staged yearly as a fundraising effort, the Resolution Run 5K primarily benefits Hillsborough High School’s annual Project Graduation, which provides a drug and alcohol-free celebration for graduating seniors., Project Graduation is planned and carried out by students, parents and community volunteers to help ensure the safety of Hillsborough’s graduating class., A portion of the proceeds benefit three local non-profit pet rescue groups, Carol’s Cats, Companion Animal Placement of Hillsborough and Greyhounds of New Jersey., “This event is a great way to start a new year of fitness with a positive attitude,” Race Director Gary Verhoorn said., This year’s fastest runners for either gender were Hillsborough residents Brian Crowley, who finished the 3.1 mile course in 17 minutes, 11 seconds, and Amy Williams, who finished the course in 19 minutes and four seconds., Considered a regular contestant by the run’s organizers, Mr. Crowley beat his time from last year by approximately ten seconds. This year’s win marks his third consecutive triumph at the Resolution Run, having won four of the last five races., In the Masters category, which features runners age 40 and up, the winners were Brian Bumgarner, of Branchburg, who finished in 18:27, and Keira Forker, of Hillsborough, who finished in 22:00., Full results from the race timer, Compuscore, together with pictures from US Candids, are at www.resolutionrun.org, Participants in this year’s event came to Hillsborough from four states and two countries. Officials said one runner traveled from Great Britain in order to compete., “There were 151 runners and walkers from Hillsborough. Females outnumbered males, 350 to 250,” Mr. Verhoorn said., After crossing the finish line in front of the Municipal Library, each runner received a Finisher’s Ribbon to go along with their exclusive Resolution Run Hoody and a goody bag. They were also treated to warm pretzels, water, apples and bananas to help their recovery., “This years’ athletes were especially happy to put on their Resolution Run Hoody to keep them warm during the race and afterwards,” race volunteer Gail McKane said., When registering, runners were asked to supply an optional resolution. Special awards for the Most Meaningful, the Funniest and Most Original resolutions were given., All resolutions are listed on their website, www.resolutionrun.org., “Reading the resolutions anytime of the year can be a continuing source of enjoyment and amusement,” Mr. Verhoorn said., Every year, the event calls for a maximum of 600 runners and walkers., “This year, we filled up by December 16,” Mr. Verhoorn said., In total, there were more than 100 awards, including medals, gift certificates and merchandise, given out to participants following the race., Hillsborough Massage Therapy and Village Shoe Store gave awards to the top winners while first, second and third place runners in 16 age groups from under 9 years old to 80 years old and over won custom designed medals. Awards were also given to the oldest, the youngest and those who travelled farthest to attend., Random Prizes given out included a free massage from Hillsborough Massage Therapy, a mountain bike from V5 Cycles of Flemington and gift certificates from US Candids., “This year we had a record number of student and adult volunteers from Project Graduation, as well as an experienced group from the Somerset Runners Club, together with others who heard about the race from our website or our Facebook page,” Kevin Katmann, owner of 10 x 10 Home Body Fitness and Volunteer Coordinator for the race said., According to race officials, the 2017 Presenting Sponsor was Hillsborough Massage Therapy LLC. There were also four 2017 Platinum Sponsors who helped support the event: Foothill Acres Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, of Hillsborough; Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, of Belle Mead; Schilke Construction Company, of Hillsborough; and TayganPoint Consulting Group, based in Washington Crossing, Penn., Gold Sponsors for 2017 included of Allen Lopez-Absolute Home Mortgage Corp; Advanced Eyecare & Vision Gallery-Dr. Barbara J Tarbell; Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill; Bridgeway Senior Healthcare/Avalon Assisted Living; Hillsborough Podiatry Group; HRC Fitness; Just Subs; Petrock’s Bar & Grille; Premiere College Funding; Princeton Orthopaedic Associates; Shop Rite of Hillsborough; 10×10 Home Body Fitness; V5 Cycles; Van Cleef Engineering Associates; Village Shoes; and Wegman’s of Bridgewater., The 2017 Bank Honor Role Sponsors were Affinity Federal Credit Union and Peapack-Gladstone Bank. This year’s patrons included Central Jersey Nurseries; Century 21 Worden & Green; Dubitsky Dental; Gregory D Hirsch, MD, Family Chiropractic Center; JML Landscaping, Kathleen Academy of Dance; William J Kohlhepp, Jr, Esq; StrengthCondition.com; TMB Triathlon Club; and the Women’s Club of Hillsborough., The Race Committee thanked all runners and walkers who participated in the event., The Hillsborough Township Police Department, the Hillsborough Rescue Squad, the Township Administration, the Municipal Committee, the Board of Education and the Township Youth Services Committee and its Project Graduation Committee were also thanked by officials., For more information about the race and planning for next year’s event, visit www.resolutionrun.org or their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/resolutionrun5k.