2005 Westfield downtown 5K Preview

In just its fourth year the Westfield Downtown 5K and Pizza Extravaganza has established a reputation and turnout that is the envy of many older and more established races. The event, which starts at 7 pm Wednesday at the corner of East Broad and Elm Streets, has shown phenomenal growth in its first three years, going from 893 runners and 250 pizzas the first year to 1293 runners and 420 pizzas last year.

The race is organized Sherry Cronin, Executive Director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation(DWC), who was extremely concerned at some ominous looking storm clouds that appeared at 5:30 pm, 90 minutes before race time. “I just hope it holds off until the race is over ,” she had said, “But I’m not sure.”Just 24 hours earlier a torrential rainstorm had flooded much of the downtown area and Cronin and her staff prepared for the worst with extra tents and early transporting of race bags. Also The Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival, which is held every Tuesdaynight in July and August was to be rescheduled for Wednesday, but due to the 80% chance of rain on Wednesday, Cronin made the decision at noon to cancel the four bands, which were scheduled.“We would have had both events take place at the same time--achallenge but nonetheless manageable ,” added Cronin. by the Downtown Westfield Corporation(DWC) and was the brainchild of Alan DeRose, an avid runner and Chairman of the DWC. “He wanted to create an event which would showcase the vibrant downtown and beautiful residential areas,” said Sherry Cronin, Executive Director.

Last year Cronin and her staff were forced into contingency planning when just 24 hours before race time a torrential rainstorm had flooded much of the downtown area and Cronin and her staff prepared for the worst with extra tents and early transporting of race bags.

After a packed start on the main streets, the course winds its way through Mindowaskin Park before heading down Tuttle Parkway past Roosevelt School The course heads down Edgewood Avenue and the two Mile mark is on Effingham Place. The last mile is an uphill straightaway down Elm Street

However, the end of the race only signals the beginning of an entertaining and pallet satisfying evening. There will be a DJ and live music by the Michael Craig Band and lots and lots of pizza. It will be a team effort of the downtown pizzerias and restaurants.

Westfield’s top running store, The Westfield Running Company has made its mark in many aspects of the race. The co-owners, Gene and Amanda Mitchell of Franklin Lakes in Bergen County are the respective men’s and women’s record holders and defending champions. They opened their seventh store in Westfield the day of the 2003 race. Gene Mitchell had finished second in 2002 and 2003 but last year outran the defending champion Anthony De Benedictis of Roselle Park in 14:50.

Amanda Mitchell smashed the course record of Julie Culley with a time of 17:21, which far outdistanced runner-up Megan Phillips of Brielle and gave her two titles in three years.

The third place finisher a year ago, Brian Harris of Somerville manages the Westfield store and should be among the leaders again this year.

“We recognize the importance of this race,” said Harris.
“Westfield is a very good running town and this is one of the most successful races around.”

Last year each runner received an additional t-shirt with the store’s name on it. This year runners will get bracelets, which they can exchange for shirts if they visit the store and try on a pair of shoes. The store also conducts group runs at 6:45 each Thursday night that depart from the store, located at 17 Elm Street.

For the fourth straight year the race production will be handled by Mark Zenobia, of On Your Mark Productions,” He does a terrific job ,” said Cronin who also mentioned the Westfield Jaycees who provides many volunteers for distributing pizzas. In addition, volunteers from the DWC, Westfield Corporation, the Westfield Y, and the Girl Scouts also assist. Businesses also support the event by sponsoring the event and providing promotional items for the runner’s bags

The first 600 registered runners will receive embroidered caps and the first 1500 get T-shirts. The pre-registration fee is $20 and is $25 the day of the race. In addition, everybody will have plenty of pizza to eat-no matter how long the race takes them.