Jersey Shore Running Club New Page 1
Updated on January 01, 2006

Santa Needed Rudolph

Photos

Some of the early morning Santas on the Cooper Bridge in Red Bank

The early morning fog did not deter all the JSRC Santas from making their rounds on Christmas Morning. They were led ably by John and Elaine aka Rudolf through Red Bank area.

2005 Adopt A Family - Thanks

Photo Album

Before the Start of the Holiday Hash for Adopt A Family

Thanks to all who contributed to our Adopt A Family program this year.  Due to your generosity we were able to raise more than $1500 for two local needy families to include many gifts and Christmas Dinner.

"The delivery of goodies went very well.   the family was overwhelmed.  i called and told her to look for the bright orange jacket with the club name on.  she was still kinda leary i guess but then who else would even think of wearing an orange jacket like that.  when she saw my back seat she was dumbfounded.  when i open the trunk she was completely speechless and then when i gave her the certificates, the tears came.  good thing i had some tissues.  i am pretty sure someones will have a fantastic xmas, i know mine will be " - Frank Pelcher


Celtic Cottage to Bar A 15K

Photo Album

Bar A Running Team at Mile 6 of the Celtic Cottage to Bar A 15K

Club Finishers included:

Marti Rettino 1:14(4th F)

Gio's Holiday Party

Photo Album

Good Bye to the Midland Run

By Laurie Gordon
The death of a race is a sad thing, especially when that race has been something near and dear to your heart for many years. Not only was the Midland Run 15k an institution as a road race, but it was a day-long happening and a celebration of the sport of running. I won the race in 1998, but long before that, it held a special place in my heart.

The course was hilly and it was always my strategy to not take water mid-way up the four mile hill. That’s where you could pass your competition. The seven-mile hill was a bear and spectators knew that. In fact, thats where I watched last years Midland Run, unable to compete as I was six months pregnant.

This year was going to be something else at The Midland Run. Shortly after last year's race, rumors started running the mill about the addition of a marathon. I was ecstatic. My favorite distance at my favorite race venue. I planned to fund raise for The Midland School and do my best to train balancing two jobs and an infant.

Then, other rumors began to circulate when December rolled around. I ignored them at first finding it preposterous that the original race and new marathon could possibly be cancelled. How could it be? There had even been a full-page, glossy ad for the Car-a-Mile Marathon, as it had been named, in Running Times and applications all over including in Footnotes.

Then, an official press release came out.

"After 28 great years, the Midland Run as well as plans for a new marathon are coming to an end.
Conceived in 1978 as a fund raiser for The Midland School, a school for children with developmental disabilities, the Run developed into one of the premier road races in New Jersey. The New York Times said of it "If you can run only one race a year, make it the Midland Run". In 1980, the year of the Olympic Boycott, the Run gathered a field of world class runners which Sports Illustrated called "the most impressive field of runners ever assembled for a road race". Unfortunately while the Midland Run still draws over a thousand runners each year, it is no longer the fund raiser it once was. As the number of road races in the tri-state area increased over the years, the Run was not able to attract the runners it did during its heyday. Being more than a run, the complexity of the event made it an expensive and time consuming event to stage.
"

It was written in stone. The race, the new marathon and the entire event that had been so sacred to runners all around the region for nearly three decades was to be a thing of the past.

The money that went into and out of the event was astronomical. The entry fee had steadily climbed over the years, and one year after the race, a group of us conjectured as to how much was made by those involved on the race and how much actually went to The Midland School. We knew there were fees to pay for marketing, advertising and timing and The Midland Run went with high end in all areas.

Founded in 1960 by Dr. E.G. Scagliotta, Helen and Seldon Hardenstine, to meet the educational needs of two brain injured children for whom no educational program could be found, The Midland School, located in North Branch, NJ, is a non-profit comprehensive special education school serving the individual social, emotional, academic and career needs of children with developmental disabilities. What a great cause and what a great idea to hold a run as a fund raiser. Maybe it just got too big. Maybe they shouldnt have added bicycle races and volleyball and sky divers and bands. But then again, thaat’s what made it such a happening and a festival and a celebration of our sport.

Heres to all of the fond memories of The Midland Run. To the anticipation before the start and to cow-herding music they used to play as the runners took off across the field in the old days when it started and finished by the big tower. To the ascent to the 5K mark and the four mile hill then the plunge into the shade where skunk cabbage grew and a brook flowed into the river near the King’s mansion. To skirting the lake in anticipation of the seven-mile hill and to the falling-off-a-cliff feeling coming down from seven to Route 202. To the final stint on the roads that seemed to last forever past the train station and to the grand finale back onto the grass and into the finish.

The first sip of cold Coors Lite when you were done and to the smell of the Sneaker Factory cook out and the sounds of laughing runners. To the exhilaration I felt the year I won and the agony the years the race ended in a loosing battle.

To the Midland Run bags you would see all over the country in airports and at races and to the great creatures frogs and pigs and jumping horses that were on the shirts in later years.

They say that all good things must come to an end, but the death of this race is definitely premature. The death of any long-standing race is a sad thing |especially an institution like The Midland Run. Maybe it will rise again in another place and in another form but I know it will ll take a while for any race to replace it in my heart.

Runners looking for an alternative Marathon may want to consider the brand new Pocono Marathon to Benefit the American Red Cross on May 7th - its a 1500 foot drop from start to finish on the point to point course.  The official Race Hotel will be the Best Western in Stroudsburg - if you plan to run the marathon it would be a good idea to reserve your rooms early. Other local Hotels in Stroudsburg are the Clarion and Hampton Inn - all at reasonable rates. The marathon plans to bus runners to the start.

Ramona's Run

Glenn Hammel  34:11, Ralph Garfield  30:50(1ag), Dean Shonts 30:03,  Betty Shonts  29:20

Jingle Bell Run 

Photo Album  Results Now Available

Top Finishers

First Place : Jeremy Pilkington, Allenhurst, 16:54;  Ali Belicose, Red Bank, 19:06
Second Place: Jeff Propert, Wall, 17:24; Amanda Scheer, Wall, 20:11
Third Place: Erick Escorcia, Howell, 17:41; Stephaine Dixon, Madison, 21:00
Fourth Place: Jim Schubert, Jackson, 18:21; Joanne Dreicer, Middletown, 21:14
Fifth Place: Tim Horn, Brick, 18:42; Dionne Petach, Howell, 21:53

Among the other Club Finishers were:

Leslie McKernan  28:20,  Frank Pelcher  28:30, Tom Natoli  28:58, Marti Rettino  23:46(7th F),  Corey Lowell  36:18, Dean Shonts  23:25

Toys for Tots

Ralph Garfield 23:56(1ag), Joanne Dreicer  20:57(3rd F)

Brianna Sets Record

Read Article

Brianna Jackucewicz won the Central Jersey, Group 3 Championships in a time of 18:22.  She shaved her time to 18:20 by placing third at the Meet of Champions and qualified for the Foot Locker National Championships by placing seventh in the Northeast Regional in 18:00.  Congrats to Brianna!

Las Vegas Marathon

Florence Does it Again - Florence McCarthey  5:54, Courtney Roberts 4:53:13

Brand New Marathon This Spring

Start Your Training Now at the Sunday Run

Sunday, May 7, 26.2 Miles, Pocono Mountain Marathon, Tobyhanna to East Stroudsburg, Pa - benefits the American Red Cross - 1000 foot vertical drop to assure a fast time!, Registration only $50 by March 31st, Also a 5K, 570-476-3800

Reindeers Romp

Results

Photo Album of Kid's, Mile and 5K Start - Photo Album of Finishers

Santa leads the Way at the Start of the Reindeer Romp

Dave DeMonico and Laura Rhatigan were the top finishers in the Ocean Running Club's Reindeer Romp held starting from the Ark in Point Pleasant Beach this past Sunday.  Despite an early morning dusting of snow the weather was near ideal with little wind and cool temperatures  for the many runners who participated.

Congratulations to the Ocean Running Club for another great job.

Among the many club finishers were:

Matt Schaefer  19:22(2ag), Leslie McKerman 26:55(PR), Glenn Hammel  25:20,  Dave Zurheide  18:36(1ag), Joanne Dreicere 20:55(1ag), Diane Cheer 26:42

Sunday Run  - Update

The Bridge which we normally run over to get to the Stone Church is now open.  This will allow us to run through Huber Woods without the detour.

Stop by the Sunday Run for a really great run. Always water stops, post run refreshments and great company on the run.

Check out a Photo Show of Our Sunday Run Group and the Course.

St Jude Memphis Marathon

Joanne Sodanno  4:52:58(13th State to complete a marathon in)

Navesink Challenge - Corrected Award Winner

 In reviewing the name of the winner of "Ms. Middle-of-the-Pack," we noticed that the correct name is KIM FITCH.  Kim seemed to be suffering from the same post-race malady that we all encounter -- indecipherable handwriting!  We therefore botched her name at the awards ceremony.  Kim, please contact me at drzurheide@aol.com so that you may receive your award -- it is a very nice hand-burned wooden plaque.  Or, if anyone knows Kim, please pass this info along to her.

Fred Ely 

Passes Away at 90

Many of us may remember Fred who participated in many local events.

Sad News

Dan Staehle, a long time runner at the Jersey Shore passed away.  He was an avid runner and a past member of the JSRC and a regular at the original Sunday Run which started in Red Bank.  Here is the obituary in the Asbury Park Press.

Spring Lake Boardwalk to be Extended

Asbury Park Press Article

Good news for all the runners who frequent the Boards of Spring lake - north end of the boardwalk will be extended to make it safer for all.  The construction should be completed for the Jersey Shore Relay to be held on April 22.

The extension was made possible in part due to the contributions from the Spring Lake 5 Race.

Out with the Old, In With the New

Looking back at 2005, Barbara Hay, The Editor of Footnotes our Club Newsletter would like to know what you think were the highlights of 2005 for you. What do you think was important for you in 2005?
What did you find most profound? Mot amusing? Most fun?

It's also time for new resolutions. Footnotes also wants to know how your 2005 resolutions fared. Did you keep them, or did they fall by the wayside? What do you plan for 2006?

If you have anything you'd like to contribute to our January 2006 issue, we'd love to have your point of view. Please send your contributions to editor@jsrc.org

Navesink Challenge

Results - Complete 5K Results Now Posted

Photo Album of 5K Start and Finishers Through 29:30 -- Rest of 5K Finishers

Photo Album of 15 K Start and Finishers Through 1:21:25 -- Rest of 15K Finishers and Post Race Festivities

The Start of this Year's Navesink Challenge 15K

A large field of nearly 500 runners were treated to some great weather at this Year's Navesink Challenge 5 and 15K races.

In the 5K it was JSRC's Luciano Oliveira of West Long Branch (shown finishing on the left) who was the Men's winner in a time of 18:23 on the challenging course.  For the women it was Tracy Bahrs of Red Bank )shown on the right) in a time of 20:37.

In the 15K challenge the men's winner was Brother Eamon Drew of St Mary's Abbey in of Morristown in a time of 53:59 and for the women it was Chrissy DeFillipis of Tinton Falls in a time of 1:02:45.

Among the many club finishers were:

5K

Leslie McKernan  29:25, Jannee Neary 30:23, Jum Neary  30:25, Peggy McKean  27:55

15K

Bruce Locke 1:19, Tom Natoli  1:44:23, Diane Cheer 1:37:50, Pat Ford 1:04:56, Tim Mahoney  1:14:51,  Cathy DePalo 1:31, Scott Donnigan  1:19:13(PR)

Thanks to all the volunteers from the JSRC, MYAA and habitat for humanity for making for the best Navesink Challenge Event yet - special thanks to Race Director Dave Zurheide who arranged for the terrific weather.

For all the particiants - if you enjoyed this course come on out to our Sunday Run -every Sunday starting at 8 AM. 

Frost on the Pumpkin 10.2K

Dave DeMonico  34:34(1st - 9 Win at Frost at the Pumpkin)

Born to Run

Jim Robbins Article

Results  - Photo Album 1 - Start and Finishers through 38:44

Finishers through 46:27  ---- Rest of Finishers and Awards

Running Through the Woods and Post Race Party = More Court Jester Pics

Leading the Way at the Start of This Year's Born to Run 5 Miler

The chilly weather did not deter the throngs of runners to the Annual "Born to Run" race through Freehold the day after Thanksgiving.  With "Born to Run" blasting at the start the runners took of through the scenic somewhat hilly course which included a jaunt through some woods.  The finish was next to the Monmouth County Hall of Records.  The overall winner was Rob DeFillipis of Tinton Falls  in a time of 26:01 and for the women it was Madelyn Schlentz of Freehold in a time of 30:12. Congratulations to all the volunteers and the Freehold Area Running Club which staged the event.

As an added bonus there was a "Race within a Race" for the first runners to reach the post race party at the Court Jester. The top finishers in this event were:

First Male - Ken Vercammen, No. Brunswick, 32:15 (Race time 30:59)
Second Male - Dave DeMonico, South River, 32:56 (Race time 27:07)
Third Male - Tom Zarra, Pt. Pleasant, 33:14 (Race time 30:49)

First Female - Ali Belicose, Red Bank, 32:57 (Race time 31:31)
Second Female - Marilyn Ryder, Long Branch, 49:36 (Race time 47:10)
Third Female - Annette Dillon, Crosswicks, 54:58 (Race time 47:35)

Among the many club finishers were:

Frank Pelcher  46:49,  Wendy McKnight 39:06(3 ag), Ralph Garfield 38:12 (1ag), Ken Vercammen 31:00, Tom Zarra  30:49, John Reagan Jr  31:08,  Jennifer Gunn 35:19,  Tom Mulvaney 35:58, Steve Foley 36:32, Bill Burke 37:52, Matt Sodano  38:40, Nancy Thorne 38:53, Bill King 39:04, Susan Ardito 39:12, Jim McGoldrick  39:36, tom Natoli  48:57, Diane Cheer 44:21, Scott Donnigan  39:09

Westfield Turkey Trot

Corey Lowell  37:35

Relay Info Now Posted

The Club's Tenth Annual Jersey Shore Relay to benefit Special Olympics will take place on Saturday, April 22nd.  The Official Web Site has been updated with lots of information to include an application, Photo Show, Course Description and lots more.  Check it out - more to come.

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