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Wantage Recreation Commission hosts run/walk

| 21 Sep 2016 | 12:49
    PHOTOS BY VIKTORIA-LEIGH WAGNER Sussex-Wantage Education Association volunteers present at the Wantage Recreation Commission's 12th Annual Family Run-Walk at Woodbourne Park smile at the team effort Saturday, Sept. 17th.
    PHOTOS BY VIKTORIA-LEIGH WAGNER Sussex-Wantage Education Association volunteers present at the Wantage Recreation Commission's 12th Annual Family Run-Walk at Woodbourne Park smile at the team effort Saturday, Sept. 17th.
    Sussex Middle School Principal Shane Schwarz, 33 of Highland Lakes--the overall race winner with a time of 19.02.1--receives his trophy for the accomplishment.
    Sussex Middle School Principal Shane Schwarz, 33 of Highland Lakes--the overall race winner with a time of 19.02.1--receives his trophy for the accomplishment.
    The top overall female and male winners Lauren Nelson, 36, of Sussex with a chip time of 21:20.2 and Shane Schwarz, 33. of Highland Lakes with a chip time of 19:02.1. Schwarz currently serves as principal of the Sussex Middle School.
    The top overall female and male winners Lauren Nelson, 36, of Sussex with a chip time of 21:20.2 and Shane Schwarz, 33. of Highland Lakes with a chip time of 19:02.1. Schwarz currently serves as principal of the Sussex Middle School.

WANTAGE — The Wantage Recreation Commission organized its annual family run/walk at Woodbourne Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, Sept. 17, as it has annually for the past 12 years.
Locals Jeanne and Creighton McBride suggested a 5K race in the beginning when Jeanne served as the Commission’s secretary. Creighton has been continuing the race tradition as a volunteer ever since.
“The Wantage Recreation Commission has always partnered with the Sussex-Wantage Education Association,” said Christy Tuper, the commission’s Vice President. “It’s really been a partnership all along where we host the race and the Association provides support and volunteers. The district schools play a huge part in assembling the annual 5K, and the run/walk itself is a great way to get out and enjoy our local park.”
“This year, we had our biggest turnout—187 people!” said Creighton McBride. “The Commission likes to place an emphasis on education and family — bringing students, their families and our teachers together. The purpose of the race isn’t for the money. The fees are just to cover expenses. Overall, it’s a recreational event.”
This year, the race was sponsored by the Sussex-Wantage Education Association (SWEA), ShopRite RoNetco Supermarkets, Glen C. Kienz, Esq., Vander Berg Enterprises, LLC, Majestic Hills, Inc., Morris, Downing and Sherred LLP, Bagel Station-Sparta, Farmer Joen Farmers Market, Tractor Supply and New Balance-North Jersey.
The overall female winner in fifth place was Lauren Nelson, 36 of Sussex with a chip time of 21:20.2. The overall male winner in first place was Shane Schwarz, 33 of Highland Lakes with a chip time of 19:02.1. Schwarz currently serves as principal of the Sussex Middle School.
The youngest female and male ages ten and under to finish first were Eloise Demefer, 6, in 19th place with a chip time of 24:08.0 and August Cone, 6 in 78th place with a chip time of 34:09.1, both of Sussex.
The oldest male and female to finish first were Emil Ogrinz, 85, 132nd overall with a chip time of 50:56.2 and Lorraine Kraus, 70, 156th overall with a chip time of 58:55.7.
The Sussex-Wantage school district interim superintendent Bob Mooney also participated in the race after having a recent hip replacement.
“I didn’t run, I walked,” he laughed, “and this is the first time I’ve ever participated in a 5K. It’s really nice to see the community get together for a benevolent cause.”