2003 Westfield Downtown Pizza Review

The picture told the story of the second annual Westfield Downtown 5k better than any narrative could. Piled high to the side of the finish line were over 300 empty boxes of pizza donated by local restaurants which were tirelessly distributed to runners and spectators by the Westfield Jaycees.

Everything about the race held Thursday evening July 24 on the streets of downtown Westfield came up roses, from the weather, which for the second straight year was nearly perfect to the flawless race organization led by race director Mark Zenobia of On Your Mark productions (OYMP) and Downtown Westfield Corporation (DVW) chairman Alan DeRose who was ubiquitous, managing numerous tasks simultaneously.

“This race could not have happened without the great volunteers “, said Zenobia,who cited the 100 Westfield Jaycees led by their energetic leader Craig Stock. DeRose was pleased with the turnout of 1102 finishers which was 220 more than last years’ inaugural event. “There was a very good word of mouth about this race”, said DeRose

The competitive side of the race was dominated by former local high school stars. Winning easily was former Roselle Park star, Anthony De Benedictis who smashed the course record with an impressive 14:58 clocking. De Benedictis, who runs for the Sneaker Factory took the lead early and was never threatened. . Former Cranford standout Tim Styler,also of the Sneaker Factory was third in 15:45.

As expected the battle for top Westfield finisher was a battle between the young and the old with 1997 Westfield High graduate Chris Tafelski outrunning Rick Pingitore.
“I figured someone younger than me would win the prize”, said Pingitore, one of the top masters runners in the state.
“Westfield has a lot of great young runners and is a tremendous running town”, added Pingitore, who was also second master and tenth overall with a 16:51 clocking.

Tafelski,eighth in 16:29 , has resumed training after taking time off to complete his student teaching duties. “I just wanted to make a good showing for the sneaker Factory”, said Tafelski who recently learned he will be joing the Westfield High School faculty this fall as a science teacher.

For the second straight the top Westfield womens’ finisher was former Blue Devil star Lauren Saul but unlike last year when she was first overall woman,Saul battling leg injuries settled for fourth outlasting Sheila Courter of Westfield.

Mike Borik,41st overall in 18:39, was the top Scotch Plains finisher,while Maureen Maguire was the top Scotch Plains woman. Steven Moore led the Fanwood finishers with a 20:42 clocking,good for 120th overall.. Susan Graff was the top Fanwood female and was second in her age group.

Tracy Willem was the top Cranford women’s’ finisher while Styler led the men.