DEMAREST, N.J.—Running for a good cause, 517 people ranging from kids to adults age 80 crossed finish line at this year’s Demarest 5K & One Mile Fun Run.
Now in its 37th year, this longstanding Northern Valley tradition inspires runners and spectators young and old to run for their health.
All proceeds from the race go to the Demarest schools for academic and athletic programs and equipment.
Finishing first overall was Matt Califano of Killington, Vermont, with a time of 18 minutes, 59.24 seconds. Jen Dimitriadis of Fort Lee was the fastest female, finishing the course in 20 minutes, 19.5 seconds.
What sets the Demarest 5K apart is its unique Principal’s Challenge training and mentoring program, which starts three months prior to race day and prepares the students for the race, also encouraging them to adopt life-long healthy fitness practices.
In addition, there is a full-day school Health Fair for students and families. Together, these events allow sponsors to reach over 1,000 students, families, teachers and business administrators in the local community over an extended period of time.
The Principal’s Challenge is a seven-week training program for students in three district schools: County Road School, the Luther Lee Emerson School and Demarest Middle School.
In the program, students train for the 5K, once a week, with their school principal. The County Road School students (grades K-one), trained with Principal Frank Mazzini on Thursdays. The Luther Lee Emerson School students (grades two to four), trained with Mazzini on Tuesdays and the Demarest Middle School students (grades 5-8) trained with Jonathon Regan. Trainers from Kaplen JCC on the Palisades also helped to train the students periodically throughout the Principal’s Challenge program.
Principal Mazzini explained why this is important: “The Principal’s Challenge is a great way for the students to prepare for the 5K, and learn about safe and healthy ways to stay fit. The parent and staff volunteers work hard to encourage our runners to always try their best and never give up. The Demarest School District has deep roots connecting with our community. The Principal’s Challenge connects all facets of our community.”
Th race was directed by Jennifer Choi, who was assisted by a large race committee. The Title Sponsor was Jeri Green & Associates of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, and there were numerous other sponsors.
Runners began registering in the County School gymnasium at 7:45 a.m., where they were given bright blue T-shirts and race bags. Outdoors, participants enjoyed bagels and bananas donated by Kings of Cresskill, and Peatos samples provided by a parent in town. Danbe Dental had a popcorn machine and the Korean Demarest Parents Association provided oranges and watermelon slices.
DJ Kevin Grom from Party Boss Entertainment LLC in Dumont entertained, and after the race, the Demarest Middle School bands performed.
At 9:15, a pre-race warm up was conducted by trainers from Juma Fit in Tenafly while CompuScore set up their race timing equipment.
At 9:30, as the runners sped off, it was a veritable sea of blue T-shirts.
Along the route, there were two water tables, one of which was sponsored by the Demarest United Methodist Church.
At 10:30am, the much-anticipated One Mile Fun Run began. Members of the Demarest Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Corps in their superhero outfits made it an unforgettable spectacle.
Seeing these community heroes dressed as Batman, Superman, Spiderman, the Hulk, and other superheros sprinting up and down Edward Street brought cheers from spectators and fellow runners.
“Running with Batman is so cool!” shouted one youngster.
“Wow! I ran next to the Green Lantern!” shouted another tyke.
As each fun runner returned, they received a medal on a ribbon. The event finished on a high note, as parents eagerly snapped photos of their children flanked by the superheros.
This year’s Demarest 5K and Fun Run was deemed truly “super” by participants young and old, neophytes as well as seasoned runners. Even Michael Fox, Superintendent of Schools, and Principal Mazzini had a great time running the 5K.
“The Demarest 5K and fun run and the Principal’s Challenge is a great event because it involves the entire community,” Mazzini said. “It’s also a time for the children to partake in something that is a huge accomplishment, whether they run or walk.”
Fox agreed that it is a great community event.
“I been here for 14 years and I come to this race every year. The fact that we have the police, EMS and fire department participating this year is wonderful. This really brings everyone together. It’s what we are: homegrown!”