BT HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
NORWOOD, N.J. –– They were off and running around in Norwood on Saturday, Oct. 21 as 330 competitors participated in the 15th annual Norwood Fast & Flat 5K Run and Walk, a fun event in which people of all ages had a great time.
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Northern Valley Press was proud to be the media sponsor of the event.
Now in its 15th year, the Norwood Fast & Flat 5K is a very popular event that draws runners throughout the region. The race attracts all levels of runners and walkers, from high octane competitors to recreational fun-seekers.
At 9:30 a.m., Mayor Jim Barsa announced the start of the race at Kennedy Field onto Broadway.
The first to cross the finish line, Chris Andersen, completed the course in 16 minutes, 13.8 seconds. The first woman to cross the finish line was Karen Auteri, who came in at 18 minutes, 15:2 seconds.
“I really like this race because you can go really fast since you don’t have to run up hills,” Auteri said.
Miriam Flattery who came in fifth place in the 40 to 45 women’s age group, said, “It was difficult because it was very warm, but this Norwood 5K is a great race!”
Registered runners were given commemorative long sleeved tech t-shirts, navy for men and powder blue for women.
There were several tables and booths with complimentary pre-race snacks and beverages.
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There were a number of vendor exhibits. Performance Health and Impact Zone, the event’s main sponsor, had several tables set up with information and giveaway items as well as a table for on-site therapeutic massages.
The Norwood 5K is a USA Track & Field New Jersey Grand Prix Event, and as such, people who completed the course were awarded 500 points towards the competition that continues through the season.
The race was directed by David Gettis, with assistance from his father, Alan Gettis, and Mitch Rosenthal, the chairman of the Norwood Racing Association.
The race was timed and scored by Best Racing Systems.
Along the course, there were water stops and a bright pink Smart Car (with the breast cancer awareness logo) in front. The race course wound around the streets of Norwood which were cordoned off by police and EMS vehicles and staff.
The fun run honored a resident
The Kids Fun Run began at 10:15 a.m. Over 50 children, some accompanied by older siblings or parents, ran or walked one lap (0.4 miles) around Kennedy Field. This year’s Fun Run had a bittersweet element. It was dedicated to an 11-year-old Norwood boy, Daniel Beer, who died of meningitis at camp this past summer. At the start of the day’s event, when everyone was gathered at the starting line, a tribute to Daniel was announced.
By 10:45 a.m., the races were over, and David Gettis presented the winners with their trophies.
Ribbons were given to all Kids Fun Run finishers.
Eight-year-old Danielle declared, “My mom said I did great today, but I’m going to practice real hard so I can ‘break my record’ next year!”
In addition to a good run, there was plenty of food to stoke the appetite of racers and spectators all morning long. Muffins, scones, coffee, juice, bagels, assorted fruit and energy bars were set up in the central meeting and mingling area.
To add to the festivity of the race, there was live music by DJ Jim Zampetti, and new this year was face painting and a raffle for a Jamis bicycle.
A community comes together
The Norwood Fast and Flat 5K has a lot of community involvement and support. In addition to the Race Committee, there are numerous volunteers, individuals as well as groups, such as The Knights of Columbus and the Salvation Army, who help make the event a success.
“Proceeds go primarily to the Norwood Library, Norwood EMS, Norwood Parent Teacher Organization, and Norwood Fire Department. After that, we pick and choose several charities depending on how much we raise,” race director David Gettis said.
Over 50 sponsors helped support this year’s Norwood Fast and Flat 5K. Corporate sponsors included Performance Health and Impact Zone, New Balance North Jersey, Norwood Physical Therapy, Shop Rite Northvale, PSE&G, Rockland Electric Company, PM& R, Crestron, The Greek Village, Runners House, Allstate, Benzel Busch and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center PMR. There were also numerous families who donated to the event, such as the Hausmann Family and the Gettis Family.
Last year, the Norwood Fast and Flat 5K took place during a cold pouring rain. Although it didn’t dampen the spirits of the race’s eager participants, it made running and watching the race more difficult. But, the sunny warm day made this year’s race ideal.
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“We had great weather today, a great race and a great turnout. If you count the families and friends that came to cheer on the racers, we easily had 800 or more people,” said Gettis.
Photos by Hillary Viders