By Jennifer Ersalesi
This upcoming weekend the Rutherford PBA will host the Halloween Foot Pursuit 5K at Memorial Park. The 5K run and 1 mile walk through the scenic streets of Rutherford is an activity that draws many community members together each October. Not only is it fun for those participate, it also raises money for a good cause each year.
TIR: How many years has this event been going on in Rutherford?
Jennifer Capoano: This year will be the 8th year that we have organized the 5K. Each year continues to grow and get better!
TIR: This year the Rutherford PBA 5K is supporting Project Graduation, which is an important cause for the Rutherford PBA Local #300 to support?
JC: Project Graduation is a nationally recognized drug and alcohol free night of celebration in which Rutherford has been participating since 1997. The event is filled with fun, food and activities for outgoing high school seniors and takes place right after graduation.
TIR: What happens after the race is over?
JC: Immediately following the race, at the end of Darwin Ave, by KidSpot, you can find a delicious BBQ, Bounce House, Face Painter, and Balloon Artist. We have an awards ceremony where we award the overall Top 3 Male and Female runners and age group awards for males and females.
TIR: Why did Craig Capoano and Scott Ahearn begin the Pumpkin Run?
JC: They started it to raise funds for the PBA, which donates to multiple charities, as well as a way to raise money for charities around Rutherford. It's a great way to have a community event.
TIR: How does this event bring the community together?
JC: In the past we have raised money for both community organizations and scholarship funds. Past recipients include the Heather Sartori Scholarship Fund, Rutherford EMS and Fire Department, The Betty & Buddy Ersalesi Scholarship, Angelwish, and the Friends of the Library of Rutherford. Half of the proceeds also benefit the Rutherford PBA #300. The Rutherford PBA Local #300 in the past has sponsored Little League baseball teams, Babe-Ruth teams, Safe-Night Out, Jr. Police Academy, Senior Scholarships, bicycle awareness for children, NJ Special Olympics Torch Run, as well as greatly supporting other charitable organizations. We also support fellow officers and families that are sick or have fallen on hard times.
There is a website for the 5K. We will have a costume contest, also, pre-race! Not mandated, but fun! Costumes, if safe, can be worn to run/walk. We will also have a pre-run zumba stretch with Tracy Scrimenti, 6th grade teacher from Pierrepont School.
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