Racing against cancer
HARDYSTON Runners competed against each other for personal victory, but also ran together for a much larger goal, supporting those affected by cancer.
On June 2, the Wheatsworth Sports and Recreation complex hosted a race they called the 5k Run for the Ribbon. Created by the The Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Guardians of the Ribbon in partnership with Hardyston, the signature race was a highlight of the township's year-long 250th anniversary celebration.
Their bright pink fire truck named Daria covered with signatures of cancer survivors and those who support the group's mission, was an eye-catching symbol of the group and its cause. The truck is named for Daria Lojik, a cancer survivor and one of the group's founders. "On the truck are thousands of signatures of survivors or people writing in memory of someone who passed away from cancer, like my mom in 2010, whose name is written on it," said Lojik. "It's a rolling memorial for those that have lost their battle and for the survivors that are still there." The Gaurdians is a non-profit organization of firefighters, police, EMS workers, community leaders and others who work to raise awareness for the fight against cancer.
The race in Hardyston On Saturday, as competitors check in at the pavilion DJ Brandon Padula of Rock Star entertainment filled the morning with music. Racers, township officials and volunteers gathered and event organizers made the final preparations. A "fun run" was also held, where youngsters ran a portion of the track along with support from local YMCA members. After a few announcements Ms. Hardyston, Brigid C. Rosendale. officially opened the event with her rendition of the national anthem.
Runners gathered at the starting line. For the first time all morning, the sun fully emerged from behind the clouds as 125 men, women and children from ages 7 to 68 stood shoulder to shoulder, waiting for the starting gun. At its sound, the racers began the 3-mile course that wound its way down a main road, past the middle school and through the Ballyowen golf course before finishing at the Wheatsworth complex.
The finish line featured flags and a digital time read out along with Ms. Hardyston and dozens of enthusiastic spectators and racers who cheered on every last competitor as they crossed the finish line.
Winners Finishing first with a time of 16:57, Joseph Chegwidden, 19, of Hamburg, was named the winner. He was also the designer of the event's logo.
He was followed by brother Paul Chegwidden, 26, of Wantage and then Jeff Staple, 37, Hardyston, rounding out the top three for the men's side.
The fastest woman was Kait Chegwidden, 21, of Hamburg, with a time of 20:19.
She was followed by Carol Cewino, 46, of Sparta and Michelle Mangels, 27, of Hamburg for the three fastest times on the women's side.
Cewino's performance wasn't only impressive because of her second-place time, but inspirational as well because she is also a cancer survivor. The same could be said for her friend and fellow racer Joanne Bennet, who finished 67th on the day and is currently battling cancer.
"Exercise is key to recovery," said Bennet. "And of course any time you get any kind of support for anything, it's a big help."
Rehydrating At the conclusion of the race, everyone gathered back at the pavilion for much needed water bottles and snacks while anxiously awaiting the final race times to be posted. Once tabulated, the closing ceremonies began. Township Manager Marianne Smith announced the winners in each category while councilman Stan Kula presented winners with their trophies or medals.
Although the race was over, its purpose would endure as all of the money raised will go to a family or families dealing with cancer in either Hardyston or the Sussex county area.