ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.—On Sept. 15, the borough of Englewood Cliffs held its annual 5K run in Witte Park and it was a roaring success.
On a brilliant sunny day, over 150 people of all ages bounded through the streets while dozens of spectators came to cheer on their family and friends.
The 5K (3.1 mile) run, a USATF sanctioned and timed race, began at 9:15 a.m. and finished at 10:30 a.m. After the 5K was underway, there was a fun one-mile bicycle ride for kids ages 7 to 12.
At the registration desk and around the race course, there were 25 volunteers clad in bright orange shirts, and runners were given blue tee shirts along with canvas gift bags.
A number of running groups signed up together, such as the New Jersey Road Runners, who had a contingency of 30 members.
Englewood Cliffs council members Ellen Park, Gloria Oh, Ed Aversa and William Woo were on hand to greet and chat with residents.
Councilwoman Park, who had organized the day’s events, remarked, “It’s always nice when the community gets together and has a great time. The weather today is beautiful, and that has brought out even more people!”
Nick Joannides, the race director, is a veteran race pro who looks forward to the Englewood Cliffs 5K.
“I’ve run about 300 races and directed dozens of them. The EC 5K is so special because there are a lot of local volunteers, and that makes a big difference,” said Joannides. “In other races, a corporation comes in and you don’t know where the revenue is going. Here, you know that the donations and entry fees are going to the EC Parks and Recreation Department and that will benefit the kids.”
By 10:30, the race results were posted by CompuServe and people eagerly checked their time. Andrew Lefer from Midland Park finished in first place with a time of 18 minutes, 14.45 seconds.
Melissa Keane, the top female runner from Englewood, finished with a time of 23 minutes, 43.62 seconds.
“I really enjoyed this race but I found it challenging,” said Lefer after charging through the finish line. “The first half mile was deceptively downhill and I was trying to pull back. This wasn’t my record best time because I had been injured a few times in the last few months, so I am happy that I can run again.”
Keane, an Englewood resident, remarked, “I had never run this race before, and I loved it! I like the fact that most of the course is flat, although the warm temperature made it more challenging.”
After the 5K and Bike Ride, bagels and coffee were served and friends and families socialized. Several sponsors, such as Visions Federal Credit Union, Dr. Sun Hee Lee Dental and Facial Center and the Korean Grace Presbyterian Church of Fort Lee, had exhibits set up along the grass in Witte Park where they gave out complimentary items and brochures.
At the awards ceremony at 11 a.m., Councilwoman Park presented medals to the top three finishers in each category, from ages 14 and under to 80 and over. Two octogenarian medalists, Evelyn Stepic and Anneliese McDermott, were delighted at their accomplishment.
Park then awarded medals to all the participants in the children’s bike ride, attesting to the fact that Englewood Cliffs is a great community where every kid is a winner.
Adam Mladjenovic, an Englewood Cliffs resident, agreed with that sentiment.
“We are a small town and everyone is close and feels special in our community.”
Councilman Aversa has lived in Englewood Cliffs for 20 years and has been a councilman for 10 years.
“It’s a wonderful town and people feel welcome!” he said.
