Run with the Vikings 5K

Whew, I am tired. First off, I want to thank all who help make this race a huge success. It started as a little idea 6 years ago and today, I believe we host a top notch race. I have to say that I think today's race went off without a major hitch. We always have little problems such as lost numbers, missing names on the check in sheet and misspelled names.

The weather was perfect with just a bit of wind. It was going to be at your back at the start and in your face coming home. Sun was shining and the crowds were great.

The sponsors began arriving, Rehab Center, Jersey Physical Therapy, IHOP, PBA and Panasonic all set up in the school. IHOP was once again serving pancakes to all the runners and they just love it.

Got to the school at 7am and the fun started. Check in table was set up and the folks manning the table did a great job. No long lines and we had lots of post race runners. The Newark track team came with about 25 runners and they represented well, winning many awards.


Derrick Pee won the mile in a record 4:37 and Lilliana Taveras was the first female in a time of 6:14.

We were having our first annual Mascot race which was taking place after the mile and before the 5K. We had Sparkee from the Somerset Patriots, the Shoe Dog from Roadrunner Sports and of course, the SB Viking. The shoe dog won easily sprinting by the two others.

I planned on starting the 5k and jumping in to run with Taugh. My son Bobby came in from Boston and Ken White aka Mr. Vert intended to run despite possible fractured ribs from a bad spill at Copper Mountain. Bob Martello and former Lafayette classmate showed up which was special. Sometimes, I feel like I am throwing a party for all my running friends.

The 5k was won by Glenn McIssac in a time of 17:08 and the female winner was Kathleen Rocker in a time of 19:30. Kathleen also won the overall Brunswick Cup trophy.

My legs were a bit tired from running yesterday so the easier pace today was going to be helpful. Taugh and I ran pretty much the whole race together except the final 150 yards. He played adult soccer yesterday and his legs were knotted. I finished up in 23:01 and Taugh ran 23:10.