'Run For The Hoses' Attracts All Types For First 5K

The Bernardsville Fire Co. and First Aid Squad's first "Run for the Hoses" 5K fundraiser with a course setting off and ending from Bernards High School brought out 139 people who the finish line this Saturday.

The top performers overall were Chris Sisto of Bernardsville (18.04 minutes), Michael Marino of Bernardsville (18.30 minutes), and Joe Jacobs of Franklin  (18.32 minutes), reported firefighter Anthony Falconeri, one of the event's organizers. The woman with the best finishing time was Paige Petty of Bernardsville, at 20.01 minutes, he said.

The 5K course, USA Track & Field certified, brought out competitive runners and those who jogged with dogs, walked with friends or even baby carriages. The day also included a kids fun run at noon.

"I heard very positive comments about the shirts and the course itself," Falconeri said afterward. He said he received feedback the uphill incline for the part of the course that headed up Claremont Road was somewhat of a challenge for some.

He said the all-volunteer organization is grateful to all of the event's of our sponsors, especially Neil and Lois Gagnon of Gagnon Securities who donated the red technical running t-shirts.

Falconeri also thanked the Bernardsville Police department for keeping the runners safe and coordinating traffic, and the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Company and Liberty Corner Fire Company for their display of the American Flag between their ladder trucks near the starting line.

T.J. Rassmuson from Annie's Playhouse kicked off the event with her rendition of the National Anthem, he said.

He said Gargiulo Produce for donated fruit and Bagel Bin donated the bagels for the participants. Leftover food was brought to the Market Street Mission in Morristown on Sunday, he said.

Falconeri said awards were given or will be given to the to the top overall male and female performers and then the top three male and female performers in various age categories. Some of the awardees had left when awards were given out, but the fire company will get in touch with them so they may claim their awards, he said. Besides those who actually participated, 21 people were already pre-registered but did not attend, he said.