TENAFLY, N.J.—The Tenafly Educational Foundation (TEF) hosted its 21st Tenafly 5K Run and Dog Walk on Sunday, June 2. This annual event took place in and around the Tenafly Middle School and offered a range of activities for all ages and abilities.
Close to 1,500 people participated in a variety of activities, including the signature 5K road race through picturesque downtown Tenafly, the JCC 1-Mile Fun Run, the 5K Dog Walk and Dog Parade for four-legged furry friends, and the Tiger Cub Races for the littlest participants meant this community event truly offered something for everyone.
Two hundred TEF volunteers clad in bright yellow T-shirts were on hand to assist throughout the day. All race participants received a commemorative T-shirt, a reusable tote bag and other fun merchandise.
After a warm-up session led by trainers from the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, at 9 a.m., over 1,000 runners sped off from Sunset Lane, with a hoard of experienced runners in the lead.
The 5-kilometer course, certified by USATF, followed a mostly residential course through the tree-lined streets of Tenafly. There were a number of hills, and the hot and humid weather made negotiating them even more challenging. Fortunately, there were water stations at each kilometer and hundreds of volunteers passed out cups of water and cheered on the runners.
Twenty-nine-year-old Michael Whalen, who has been running the Tenafly 5K race (and many other Bergen County races) for the last eight years, remarked, “It was really hot out there today, but I always like running this race!”
As soon as the 5K race was underway, Walkers and Stroller Trotters began at 9 a.m. At 9:05, Mayor Peter Rustin and his two rescue dogs led the pack of enthused pet owners up Sunset Lane for the 5K Dog Walk.
“I participate every year,” Rustin said. “The Tenafly 5K Run and Dog Walk is a wonderful event that brings the entire community together.”
At 10, there was a dog parade on the large field behind the gym at Tenafly Middle School. The course consisted of several obstacles and judging stations for awards. Every dog received a medal and there were awards for Best Hair and Nails, Best Trick for a Biscuit, Best Dog and Human Look-Alikes, Best Dog and Human Dance Contest and Doggie Idol.
Also at 10, there were adorable Tiger Cub Races, in which little tykes, arranged in groups from age 3 through 6, scrambled a short distance across the football field inside the track. Runners under 4 ran 25 yards; 4 year olds ran 50 yards; 5 year olds ran 75 yards and 6 year olds ran 100 yards. Each finisher was given a medal on a ribbon.
Still more excitement began at 10:30 with the JCC 1-Mile Fun Run, which also had a throng of participants. The Fun Run began outside the gym at Tenafly Middle School and was led by the Tenafly High School Track Team.
By 11 a.m., people assembled in the school auditorium for the awards ceremony. Middle School Principal John Fabbo and Race Directors Eric and Lori Leskin welcomed everyone and showed an entertaining slide presentation of past races. They also thanked sponsors of the day’s events as well as Saturday night’s Pasta Party.
First, veteran racers, who have participated in the Tenafly 5K for 20 years, were given commemorative T-shirts and a round of applause.
Trophies and gift cards from Modell’s Sporting Goods were then awarded to the top three 5K finishers, male and female. There were also prizes for the Stroller and Dog runners. In addition, trophies were awarded to the top Tenafly finisher (male and female), the top three finishers in each grade for Tenafly students, and to winners by various age groups.
The first place male overall winner was Michael Whalen of Tenafly with a time of 16 minutes, 31.16 seconds. The first place female overall winner was Annais Cummiskey, also from Tenafly, with a time of 20 minutes, 22.02 seconds.
While the athletic and pet-friendly events took place, there was also a Family Health and Fitness Fair from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. featuring exhibition tables of more than 80 vendors inside and outside the Tenafly Middle School Gym. There were also tables of complimentary food and water and a free chair massage station.
There was excitement even leading up to the race day on June 2. The festivities began with the Tenafly 5K Kick-Off party on Friday, May 31 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Tenafly Middle School.
Registered participants and their families were also invited to join the Tenafly Educational Foundation at a Free Pasta Party catered by Palmer’s Crossing of the Clinton Inn and numerous area restaurants on Saturday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m.
The Tenafly 5K is supported by many area businesses, including Platinum Sponsors the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Englewood Health, and Honda of Tenafly and Gold Sponsors Juma Fit and Palisades Dental Care.
All profits from the Tenafly 5K Run benefit the Tenafly Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that has been supporting Tenafly Public Schools through teacher-generated educational grants since 1984.
Race Directors Eric and Lori Leskin, who took over the Tenafly 5K last year, were assisted by the Palisades Running Club.
“We are excited to continue the tradition of the Tenafly 5K,” Eric said. “We particularly enjoy watching the town-wide enthusiasm we see from residents of all ages and from runners who come from throughout the tri-state.”
Lori added, “It’s a great way for families to meet each other, share a fitness experience, and celebrate a very meaningful and common cause—to support our town’s youth by providing unique educational opportunities for all. Our sponsors also love it because it allows them to interact with their Tenafly customers in a casual, fun environment.”