Brunswick Cup series continues this weekend

EAST BRUNSWICK - On your mark. Get set. Go!

The final two races in the Brunswick Cup 5K series will be held this weekend in East Brunswick and next weekend in South Brunswick, the conclusion of the four area races designed to advocate exercise, promote neighborhoods and connect Central Jersey communities.

"I think this is important for [the Brunswick area], to foster a family-friendly atmosphere of leisure services," said Lou Ann Benson, director of the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services.

On Sunday the John Ragone 5K will honor the founder and coach of the township's track team organization with a 3.1-mile race. Race Director Cathy Glamkowski said the walk/run will be a fundraiser for Camp Daisy, a local charity for disabled children and young adults that teaches education through recreation and the arts. Registration is from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. with a one-mile fun run and walk beginning at 12:30 and the 5K beginning at 1 p.m.

The East Brunswick 10K will start at 1:20 p.m. Both events will be at the Crystal Springs Aquatic Center on Church Lane and Dunhams Corner Road.

The series concludes Oct. 29 with the Run with the Vikings 5K at the South Brunswick High School. Resident Bob Tona began the race last year to increase running opportunities in the area, modeling his township's race after the Meridian Cup at the Jersey Shore and the Jimmy D Memorial run in New Brunswick. These funds will be donated to the high school's student athletic programs.

Registration will be held from 7:30 to 9:45 a.m. at the high school, located at 750 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction. A kiddie dash will start at 9, a one-mile fun run will start at 9:30, and the 5K walk/run will start at 10 a.m.

Walkers and joggers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to both events, in addition to competitive racers. Each course is certified by the USA Track and Field Association and counts toward the points for overall USATF championship series. There will also be child-friendly activities, food, prizes and giveaways.

"You don't have to be a fast runner to run or a fast walker. ... You can just be part of it and challenge yourself," Benson said.

The series began on May 29 with the 27th annual North Brunswick Memorial Day 5K to honor all veterans of war. It continued on Sept. 3 with the New Brunswick race, in which Erin Varga decided to honor her father, fallen deputy fire chief James D'heron, who died in a house fire on Sept. 3, 2004, in New Brunswick.

For the Brunswick Cup, trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female open winners as well as the top three in the master category, which is based on the lowest cumulative times of three out of four races. Application fees range from $15 to $20. Anyone looking to participate, volunteer or sponsor a race can contact Tona at (732) 940-3111 or ggcfsafe@comcast.net. Visit www.ebrr.org or www.rwtv5k.com for more information.

- Jennifer Amato