The Fanwood 5K Pizza and Family Fun Run took off from Borough Hall Sunday, October 15, 2023, along new routes through the north side of town and sharing space on the front lawn with the annual Fanwood Health Fair.
5K runners
Fanwood Eye Care was among the local practices at the Health Fair
The two races attracted several hundred runners, one from as far away as Ireland. Having the starting line and finish line both in basically the same place made logistics easier than past years. And the Health Fair was just a few steps away.
5K winners Dan Jablon and Nicole Himmelstein
Dan Jablon of Fanwood won the 5K. Nicole Himmelstein of Scotch Plains was the first woman to cross the finish line. Runners included Sionan Hyland of County Mayo, Ireland, who is staying with a local family.
From County Mayo, Ireland, Sionan Hyland
Runners were treated to free pizza donated by Nick’s and Fabio’s and free water courtesy of NJ American Water.
Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker serves free pizza
Fanwood Council members Trisha Walsh, Erin McElroy Barker and Gina Berry assisted with volunteer coordination. Volunteers did pretty much everything including road marshals under the supervision of Fanwood Police.
The 5K and Family Fun Run are productions of the Fanwood Recreation Commission and Recreation Director Bob Budiansky. Fanwood police and fire assisted with road blocks and detours. The Fanwood Rescue Squad provided blood pressure screenings and were available in case of a medical emergency. The Health Fair was organized by Dr. Kathy Shin of Fanwood Eyecare with help from staff and volunteers.
Lt. Dan Kranz, Councilwoman Trisha Walsh and Councilwoman Gina Berry brief volunteers on safety
Fanwood FD volunteers provide robust traffic control with Engine 8
