By Jackie Smith
Let’s Go Out For A Run!!
It’s that time of year again and I researched some upcoming races, many of which are also fundraisers for great causes. Hoping you read this in time, let’s start out the season with a run through some wine vineyards.
On June 7 we can go to a 5K at Amalthea Cellars Winery in Atco for one in the series of ‘Run the Vineyards’. Just don’t stop and eat the grapes.
If that’s not your style, try the George Benjamin & Browning Ross 5K that takes you through lovely Woodbury OR the ‘Kennedy Hope and Healing 5K’ at the Washington Lake Park in Sewell that starts at 9:30 and benefits the Kennedy Cancer Center.
On June 13 try the Ronald House Run at Riverwinds in West Deptford at 7am. On the June 20 you have the choice between the ‘United Way of Gloucester County’ 5K and family fun walk also in West Deptford, or the ‘Swing into Summer’ in Woodbury Heights. Finally in June, you have another choice on June 28 between McCray’s 5K for MS at Cooper River Park in Collingswood or a ‘Freedom 5k’ in National Park.
On the 4th of July, Pitman is in its 34th season of offering its Freedom Run which is actually a four miler (for the 4th of July….get it?) with a start time of 8:30. A New Jersey State Triathlon Sprint (shorter distances than regular tri) will be held in West Windsor consisting of a lake swim, bike and run that boasts being super flat and super fast.
Finally in July, on the July 25, Woodbury is offering the real fun ‘Hot Run in the Summer’. If you missed this one last year, try and make this year.
I mentioned this one last year and did try it. This one ends at Charlie Brown’s and offers a great buffet/brunch and free beer as well as outdoor activities and some nice little give aways. Don’t believe them when they say its flat!!
I spotted something that appears new in August which by the way, offers very few races. On Aug. 22, a ‘Veteran WOD’ (for workout of the day) is taking place at 411 Southgate Court in Mickleton and includes a 2.22 mile run. This run is in recognition of the suicide epidemic of our nation’s veterans. It reports that 22 veterans commit suicide every day and the run will be interrupted for a moment of silence to recognize this epidemic. This event is scheduled for 12:20 to 2 p.m.
The only other race I found in August is on Aug. 26 and is the ‘Run for Tony’ in Haddon Twp.
Now I plan to end the season with what looks like another good one. On Sep. 12, the ‘Flying Fish 5K’, with a start and finish taking place at the Flying Fish Brewery in Somerdale, offers an after race party. This race is limited to 1,000 runners and will probably fill up.
Free beer for adult runners, an official beer mug to all finishers, live music from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., lawn games, and food trucks and vendors follow the race so it sounds like a pretty good time.
These races and more information about them can be found on the internet, with many of them on the Road Runner’s Club of Woodbury’s (RRCW) website. Now go get those race legs ready.
