2009 Firecracker 4 Mile

After downright awful weather conditions that ruined or altered nearly every outdoor event since Memorial Day, the weather gods smiled on Cranford on Independence Day and made the 30th annual Firecracker Four Mile Run a day to remember. For runners, volunteers and spectators, alike, who had begun to wonder when summer 2009 would finally begin, the sunny conditions with low humidity and comfortable temperatures brought a smile to everyone’s face, most notably fourth year race director Mike Rokicki. Although the 1174 finishers were 12 fewer than 2008, there was a huge walkup registration, including a large number of young children who competed in the one mile fun run.

“The weather really turned out great and while we have learned throughout the years here how to prepare for just about any kind of weather, this was a pleasant surprise,” said Rokicki.

“Although we haven’t counted everything yet, it appears that the race was a huge success in every way possible,” said Rokicki.

With defending champion Dave Alfano of West Orange and runner-up Will Nowicki of State College, PA both skipping the race, perennial contender Tim Morgan of South Plainfield had an easy time capturing his first title in 20:45. Morgan took the lead early with a 5:10 first mile and ran sol the final three miles, trying his best to maintain an even pace.

“I was rather surprised that certain runners were not here. I was expecting a pack like most years,” said Morgan, who was third a year ago in 20:46 and has finished in the top five each year since 2006.

Morgan is a member of the top club team in New Jersey, the Raritan Valley Road Runners (RVRR), was a top runner at South Plainfield High School and is a high finisher at nearly every road race he enters. His biggest challenge in 2009 will come on November 1 in the New York City Marathon when he attempts to improve his 2:47 personal best in the marathon. Morgan’s RVRR team mate Michael Anis of Highland Park was second in 21:45. Anis, who manages the Running Company’s Princeton store, is on the comeback trail after being injured and was pleased with his effort.

The women’s competition had a definitely local flavor to it, even though the winner, 22 year old Carmen Ballard was listed as being from Washington, DC. Ballard, a recent graduate of Georgetown, was a college teammate of former Cranford star Laura Gallo, a sophomore with the Hoyas. Gallo told Ballard about the race and pair traveled north to compete, with Ballard staying at Gallo’s house.

“Laura told me about what a good competitive race this is, so it seemed like a good idea to run it. Everything worked out really well. This is a great event and I was happy to participate in it,” said Ballard, who originally hails from Kelowna, British Columbia.

Gallo, 20, was the second women’s finisher in 24:52 and also was the top Cranford female finisher. Gallo has been competing in the race since before she entered high school and this was her fastest time.

“I really enjoy running for Georgetown and attending classes there but it is always great to come home and run this race,” said Gallo.

Without the two Georgetown runners competing, the women’s winner would have been a Mount Saint Mary’s runner for the second year as rapidly improving Caroline Williams of Westfield ran 25:16 for third in the women’s competition. A year ago, 2008 MSM graduate Liz Campbell of Colonia took the title.

31 year old Matthew Dipretore ran 22:01 to win top town finisher for the second straight year. He defeated former Cougar track star Brian Mahoney, who ran 22:25 and fast improving 15 year old Elias Howard who ran 23;31. Mahoney teamed up with father Donald (32:59) to win the father-son category. Among the other Cranford residents to win their age group was the amazing Kathy Calabretta, who ran 30:01 to win 60-64,13 yea old Ryan McGann who took 13 and under and Lauren Garbacz (27:18) in 35-39. The top Kenilworth runner was Sean Cunningham (26:12).

But beyond the winners were runners like 40 year old David Kother of Scotch Plains, who finished in 38:41while pushing his two young children in a jog stroller and wearing a large red white and blue Uncle Sam hat. Despite a recently curtailed training schedule, Kother was able to get through the race which has become an annual event for the Linden detective.

“I wouldn’t think of missing this race. The kids really enjoy it and it’s a fun way to celebrate Independence Day,” said Kother.

Former Race Director Art Bilenker, a Jaycee and race benefactor once again held court after the race and gave out awards to runners who had the nicest abdominal muscles, had the worst race experience, had the strangest jobs and had the nicest biceps among other things. There was also a special award given to a young boy who impressively sang the National Anthem.

“This is nice day for the community. It’s a good day for everyone,” said Bilenker, a dentist in Cranford.

Other popular activities at the race included free popcorn, yogurt and Good Humor ice cream. After a frenzied start early in the day when he seemed to be holding three conversations at once, Rokicki settled in and after the race could enjoy what was another successful race.

“We will have a post race meeting in a few weeks to go over what we did right and what we can improve on for the future. This race is always a work in progress and we will look to make changes if needed.” said Rokicki.