Hillsborough YMCA’s annual Hop 5K kicked off with a bang as more than 750 people participated in the community tradition.
For 19 years, the Hop 5K has been one of the Hillsborough YMCA’s biggest events, according to officials.
“The Hop 5K is a tradition, not just for the Y but for the community. This year we are celebrating the 19th year for the race, which has become one of the premiere 5K races in Somerset County,” said David Carcieri, President and CEO, Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. “The Hop 5K is very important to the Hillsborough YMCA. In addition to raising funds for the Y’s charitable mission, the race builds community through supportive relationships and motivates healthy lifestyle. We believe the community building and healthful living aspects of the event are the true benefits.”
Carcieri explained that the hometown race that took place on June 1 helps motivate people of all ages to adopt healthy living habits and feel inspired to accomplish their life goals.
There were a total of 758 people who competed in the race.
“There were many smiling faces, and at the Y, we believe that healthy people tend to be happy people,” he said.
The race began at the Hillsborough YMCA and finished at the township municipal building.
This year’s top male finisher was Brian Crowley of Hillsborough, William Gillette of Hillsborough came in second and Jack Kinst from Hillsborough was third, officials said.
The top female finisher was Amy Williams of Hillsborough, followed by Janet Tolley of Whitehouse Station, and Megan McArthur of Hillsborough came in third, according to officials.
Hillsborough Mayor Frank DelCore started the race off which had a range of participants from mothers and fathers, to sons and daughters, and even grandparents.
“It is my honor as mayor to kick off the Hillsborough Hop. This is such a great community event in partnership with the YMCA,” Mayor DelCore proclaimed.
According to officials, after the race the Hillsborough Youth Services Commission sponsored the Hoppy Award, which was presented to the Hillsborough school with the highest percentage of students participating in the 5K race.
Auten Road Intermediate School earned the Hoppy Award with 117 student runners taking part in the race.
For more information on the Hillsborough YMCA, visit www.somersetcountyymca.org.
