They Walked, Ran and Rode for Charity
By Robert Press
The Daily Journal
thedailyjournal.com
Results from the Run Ride Walk RUN RIDE WALK 5K 2008 |
Millville, N.J. (August 4, 2008) – Early Saturday morning, when the skies darkened and the rains came, things looked bleak for the inaugural Run-Ride-Walk at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Despite the weather's lack of cooperation, organizers, volunteers and participants were determined to see things through.
Though it was a half-hour late, the event ended strong, organizers said. It was a display of determination akin to the point of the event itself -- cancer treatment, survival and support.
The event was the total of four separate events: a 5K run, a 10K run, a 20-mile bike ride and a walk. More than 100 participants had their pick of which they wanted to do at Thunderbolt Raceway, the motorsports park's largest and newest track.
"I think it's great," said Cynthia Kneiser Walker, event organizer and cancer survivor. "We have people from all over New Jersey, some from over an hour and a half away. It makes us feel good."
Kneiser Walker was diagnosed with cancer more than 20 years ago, and beat expectations to become healthy again. For her, the importance of the event could not be overstated.
"As a cancer survivor, it's a great way to raise awareness," Kneiser Walker said. "It's a way to bring the community out and show them that it's good to be exercising."
The Lance Armstrong and South Jersey Healthcare foundations benefit from the event, raising money to help fight cancer. An exact total of funds raised Saturday was unavailable.
As runners streamed in, they replenished themselves with various drinks, pretzels and other snacks while discussing the experience with fellow competitors.
"We had some problems with rain, but everything turned out great," Bridgeton resident Paul Lalancette said. "I loved being out on the track, even just running. It was really neat."
Lalancette finished second in the 10K run event.
"It's good to see stuff like this coming to this area," he said. "It's right down the road."
Vineland Mayor Robert Romano was among runners who gathered in the finish area.
"I see nothing but good things for this complex," said the mayor, who participated in the 5K event.
Regarding his own performance in the run, Romano said he "did all right, in the middle of the pack."
According to Kneiser Walker, the success of the event in the face of such poor weather means she's already looking to do it again.
"This is something we want to grow and do year after year," she said.