(Fanwood, NJ) — The Fanwood 5k Pizza and Family Fun Run took off from Borough Hall on Sunday, Oct. 18th, under ideal cool weather for running. The 1-mile Family Fun Fun began at 11 a.m. followed by the 5k at 11:30 a.m. with both races beginning and ending at Borough Hall on North Martine Avenue. Eric Murphy, 38, of Scotch Plains was the overall winner with Mika Synder, 14, of Fanwood the overall winner for the women. The event drew over 1,000 participants. Registration for the race was up 26 percent over 2025. A total of 517 runners ran the 5k with 528 participants in the Fun Run.
Members of this year’s 5K Planning Committee are Neil Pierce (Race Director), Venessa White, Michael Lowenthal, Eryn Sinclair, Ryan Raskin, Arlene Ross, and Ericka Rodriguez. All members of the Recreation Commission assisted Recreation Director Bob Budiansky in running the event. Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and Borough Council members Anthony Carter, Patricia Walsh, and Gina Berry also were on hand.
The event sponsors are: Fabio’s Bistro, Nick’s Pizza, Edison Heating & Cooling, Closet Factory, T&M, Shovlin Mattress Factory, Klinique Kids, De Biasse Seminara Architects, Fanwood Democrats, Unity Bank, Fanwood Animal Hospital, Fanwood Funeral Home, Real Hot Yoga, Curalta, Beem Light Therapy, Fanwood Pharmacy, Joint Motion Physical Therapy, Family Investors Co., K9 Resorts, Provident Bank, The Goddard School, The Shave Loft, Frank’s Auto Repair & Auto Body, Inc., Bagel Café NJ, Schembre & Gannon CPAs, Fanwood Liquors, Jessica’s Restaurant, Willow Grove Swim Club, DiLollo Chiropractic, Panani Bistro, VMMI, The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, Pure Vida Art, Watchung Pediatrics, and Tom The Green Grocer.
