5K Festival Rallies All Ages
Donna Fitzpatrick
Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Sports
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Andy Ball, the race host for this event stated he won't know how much money was raised for at least a week. He thanked the runners/walkers, the 60 volunteers, all the sponsors and the Sparta Police Department for helping to make this a successful festival. This years donations goes to the Newton Memorial Hospital, who has already decided to put it towards their new heart center.
With the Festival in its 9th year and now open to walkers, it has helped raise more money. Plus it has motivated people to start exercising. There were 3 male racers who were 7 year olds and a 9 year old female who seemed to be the youngest that finished the race.
The top finisher was Andy Latincsics 41, of Hampton who ran it in 16 minutes and 14 seconds. Andy said he usually runs every day and competes on a regular monthly basis. You also have to know how to pace yourself, especially when the last part of the course is basically uphill.
Kevin O' Leary, 14 of Hopatcong hand pedaled his tricycle the complete distance. He is usually in a wheelchair due to spina bifida and hyrocephelus. Kevin received an award for inspiration and dedication.
There were also some elderly participants female and male, 65 and over who completed the 5K - averaging 45 minutes or less.
Some Pope John High School students gave a special presentation with their robot they built, by riding it in the race plus inside the gym area of the club.
PHOTOS OF THE 5K RACE ARE AT THE LINK Just UNDER this ARTICLE
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