2010 Firecracker 4 Mile review

The 31st annual Firecracker Four Mile Run proved to be no dud as the beginnings of a vicious heat wave held off until after the race was completed and led to increased registration. A new champion was crowned as Kenyan Solomon Too clocked 20:42.37 to outrun 2009 winner Tim Morgan of South Plainfield and 1193 other finishers. The women also had a first time winner as 19 year old Dana Guglielmo of Basking Ridge ran 25:16.26 to outpace Jessica Barr of Cranford. While race time temperatures were well over 80 degrees the humidity was manageable and the runners were also abetted by plentiful water, provided by the race and residents who lived on the race path, many of whom sprayed runners with hoses.

“It was warm but not the oppressive heat we have had in the past and not as bad as we are supposed to get later this week,” said fifth year race director Mike Rokicki.

“We are able to handle any kind of weather and we made sure that there was plenty of water on the course.”

The weather proved no problem to Too, who has a personal best of 2:20.45 for the marathon and used the race as mid-summer training run. Too broke away from the pack early and ran averaged 5:10 per mile.

“The weather was good for me. I am used to hot weather,” said Too.

Morgan out ran the chase pack that included third place finisher Joe Jacobs of Bloomingdale and 2006 Cranford graduate Kevin Brown. “I am okay with the race I ran. He went out faster than I wanted to and never gave us a chance to catch him,” said Morgan, who although 26 has completed the last 11 Firecracker races.

“It was a tradition I started when I was in high school and it is a lot of fun to come back to this race every year. It is a well organized race and has good refreshments,” said the razor thin Morgan, while enjoying post race ice cream, that was available to all participants.

Brown finished fourth in 21:26 and was also the top Cranford finisher. The top 20 also included three current and former Cougar runners. Rising junior Elias Howard was 13th in 22:55, 2005 graduate Brian Mahoney was 16th in 23:05 and 2010 graduate Jeff Sun was 20th in 23:33.

Guglielmo, who just completed her freshman season at the University of Richmond, ran the race for the first time and came away impressed.

“It is a fast flat course with a lot of shade. I definitely hope to come back and run this race in the future,” said Guglielmo, whose father and younger brother also competed.

Unlike Too, Guglielmo ran the race with different male competitors and was not certain that she was first until being told by volunteers at the three mile mark. Guglielmo finished her first college season competing in the 3000 meter steeplechase for the first time.

“I love the event. I am still learning to hurdle and get through the water barriers but it is such a fun and challenging race,” said Guglielmo.

Barr, a 2003 Cranford High School graduate, is one of the top distance runners in the area and also won her age group at the Rutgers half marathon in April. Among the other Cranford residents to win their age group was the amazing Kathy Calabretta, who ran 31:35 to win 60-64.

But beyond the winners were runners like John and Amy Montuori of Cranford, who have made the race a staple of their Independence Day schedule.

“I was only able to do the one mile fun run because of an injury but I am so thrilled that John ran his best time for the race. We are so lucky to have such a good race in our town,” said Amy Montuori.

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.

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.

2008 Firecracker Roundup

While Independence Day 2008 was far from ideal for the beach, barbecues or fireworks, the overcast conditions convinced over 600 runners to sign up that morning swelling the overall entry for the 29th Firecracker Four Mile to 1380 entrants and 1188 finishers. While the numbers were slightly above last year’s turnout, a steady early morning rain, which started at 6:30 and did not end until about 8:15, was a natural concern for third year race director Mike Rokicki.

“We have learned throughout the years here how to prepare for just about any kind of weather. Overall the overcast conditions were better for us than oppressive early day heat which we have dealt with on many occasions,” 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 two time defending champion Brian Harris of Clinton unable to run due to injuries, the race crowned a new champion, 22 year old Dave Alfano of West Orange. Alfano is a recent Seton Hall University graduate, who ran the 1500 and 3000 for the Pirates and has been a top road racer this year.

“Running competitively in college prepares you for these types of races,” said Alfano, who broke away from 19 year old Will Nowicki of State College, PA to win by six seconds in 20:22.

Nowicki, a former high school star at Pascack Valley Regional High School in Hillsdale, currently runs for Penn State and was third a year ago.

“Dave is a very tough runner and ran a better race than I did. We like this race and plan to come again next year” said Nowicki.

Runner-up last year, four-time winner Budd Coates of Rodale Press, finished 20th this year in 22:47, but still took home two trophies. Coates, who turned 51 in April, was an easy winner in his age group and also combined with his 15 year old daughter Kelsey to win the competitive father daughter division for the second straight year.

Coates, who has three of the top five times on the course with a personal best of 18:27, has made a tradition of traveling over 70 miles from Emmaus, PA to run the race.

“We come here because it’s a nice race and a great way to start the holiday. It’s getting a little expensive with the price of gas, but we plan to be back again next year,” said Coates.

Coates and his daughter edged out local entry Benedict and Elizabeth Campbell of Colonia. Campbell, a recent graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s won the women’s division in 24:37. After a strong senior season, where she made the all state parochial team, Campbell was able to breeze to victory despite not being in top form.

“This was more of a training run after all the tough high school races. The weather was not too hot and I tried to run a steady pace,” said Campbell.

The Mahoney twins, Brain and Kevin of Cranford, took the brother competition with Kevin 11th in 22:17 and Brain 14th in 22:30. Matthew Dipretore,30, finished fifth in 21:14 to take first Cranford finisher, while Veronica Santos,27, won the women’s division in 28:17.

Kevin Carpenter, 20, led the Kenilworth finishers in 24:00. Mark DelMonaco, 30, was the top Scotch Plains finisher in 22:34. 2008 Westfield High School track star Alex Tarlow was the first Westfield finisher in 24:32. Bobby Evans, a rising junior at Scotch Plains Fanwood High School was top Fanwood finisher in 25:19

Former Race Director Art Bilenker, a Jaycee and race benefactor once again held court after the race and gave out awards to runners who could answer trivia questions, had the strangest jobs and had the nicest biceps among other things.

“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, cotton candy and Good Humor ice cream. The ice cream truck was manned by former Cougar star, Joe McKenney, who now runs for New York University, but is currently fighting leg injuries.

“I would like to be running but this is my summer job and it is fun to see all the smiles on kid’s faces,” said McKenney.

Another hard working ex Cougar star was Cranford Cross Country Coach Tim Styler, who managed a large running parking lot sale for the Running Company.

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.

One of those changes could involve moving the starting time up one hour to 8:30. Before the race, many race volunteer took an informal survey of runners on whether the starting time should be moved up and according to Rokicki, the earlier time won.

“If we can move the race up, it would not be until 2010 but we are always trying to balance the race off with everything else that happens on Independence Day.”

2007 Firecracker Roundup

For Independence Day 2007, the weather gods served up conditions more conducive to running than swimming which was the perfect recipe for Firecracker 4 Mile Race Director Mike Rokicki and defending champion Brian Harris. Temperatures in the high 60’s produced a large amount of post registration race day entrants that swelled the overall finishers 20 percent over 2006 totals for the race, which celebrated its 28th anniversary at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. The cool conditions also pleased Harris, who easily defended his title running 20:36, 34 seconds faster than his 2006 time

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

“It was very helpful that the rain held off and with the cool records many people decided to run at the last minute.”

In a pre-race interview Harris was hopeful that the temperature would not exceed 70 degrees, an unlikely occurrence for a race usually conducted in hot and sultry conditions. But on cloudy breezy morning, Harris broke away from field just past the one mile mark and was never seriously threatened

Harris was able to put together consistent mile splits of 5:05,5:06 and 5:08 before finishing in 5:17 on the final mile which contains a multitude of turns and also includes a footbridge.

“The key to winning this race is getting a lead at three miles because it is very hard for the trailing runners to see the leader because of all the turns ” said Harris, who had not raced seriously since running 2:32.49 at this year's Boston Marathon.

“I was very pleasantly surprised to run as well as I did. The strength I built up training for Boston has helped me maintain my fitness over the last few months. Obviously this was great weather for me to run in. I was not in the shape I was in a year ago but I ran faster,” said Harris, who did not take advantage of several water stops during the race.

Holding on for second place was four-time winner Budd Coates of Rodale Press, who has made a tradition of traveling over 70 miles from Emmaus, PA to run the race.

“I originally came here in the early 90’s because they offered prize money but now I just come here because it’s a fantastic race and a great way to start the holiday,” said Coates, who won the master’s championship and has run as fast as 18:27 on the course.

Coates, who turned 50 in April, also won the parent-daughter competition, teaming with his 14-year-old daughter Kelsey, who ran 27:42.

“It is nice that the race has all these different categories that give you a chance to combine with your children,” added Coates.

Kevin Brown, a star distance runner at Cranford, who graduated in 2006,was the first town finisher, winding up eighth in 21:51. Brown, who just completed his freshman season at Yale, has fought through injuries and now feels like he his rounding into shape for this fall.

“I have been running this race since I was small and enjoy the chance to run a race through my hometown,” said Brown.

Kevin Mahoney, a 2005 graduate, was second Cranford finisher, 16th overall.
The women’s winner was Sarah Muhlbradt 29 of Piermont, NY who ran 23:37. The first Cranford woman to finish was Lauren Krause Garbac, 36 who ran 27:19.

Jim Colvin, 58 was the first Westfield finisher in 24:30 and Mark Carow, 48 (25:19) was first Scotch Plains finisher. Jim Lambert, 40 (27:03) led the Fanwood finishers.

Former Race Director Art Bilenker, a Jaycee and race benefactor once again held court after the race and gave out awards to runners who could answer trivia questions, had the strangest jobs and had the nicest biceps among other things.

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

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.

“I hope to do this for many years. Once you get through the first one, each year gets a lot easier,” said Rokicki.