Runners wear tutus to support Rescue Ridge - NewarkRunning

The first what is sure to be an annual Tutu 5K was held on Sunday, September 28, 2014 in WallTownship, New dance tutu Jersey. The first time event attracted a large field of nearly 300participants on a bright sunny morning with some unseasonable warm temperatures near 80degrees belying the first fall weekend.

Tutu 5K 2014

jerseyshorepics.com

jerseyshorepics.com

The participants in the race were required to wear a tutu in order to qualify for awards and justabout all of them did. Runners were provided a choice of a royal blue, hot pink or rainbow coloredtutus as part of their registration. Many of the participants then decorated their tutus making for acolorful display.

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The event was a fund raiser for Rescue Ridge Animal shelter to help them raise money to buy theirown animal shelter for rescued animals. Many volunteers from Rescue Ridge were on hand to eitherparticipate in the race or volunteer at aid stations and assist with the race. Other volunteers assistedfrom the Jersey Shore Running Club.

As the runners lined up for the start Race Director, Karen Charles gave the runners instructions andthen introduced 9 year old Ellie Mandleberg who gave a stirring rendition of the National Anthem.Karen then gave the runners the final command to "go". The traditional "Born to Run" could beheard while the runners made their way at the start across the soccer field and then onto thejogging path that took them around the municipal complex and then back to the finish line.

Ethan Rouen of New York City was first overall in a time of 18:56. He was followed for the men byRobert Jaeger of Marlboro in 21:49 and then Mike Wshakowski of Ocean Township in 21:12 to roundout the top three for the men in tutus. For the women it was Kim Martineau of New York Cityfinishing second overall in a time of 19:45. Women also claimed the third and fourth top positionswith Kathy Kropke of Avon finishing in a time of 20:53 followed by Erin Weber also of Avon in 21:32.Holding the finish tape for the winners were the Valvo sisters of Wall Township, New Jersey.

For the winners Ethan and Kim it was a true celebration as the husband and wife not only garneredthe top positions they were celebrating their wedding anniversary. After all the runners finishedDianne DeOliviera of Brick and a radio personality with 94.3 The Point introduced Mary Beth Tkachthe head of Rescue Ridge who thanked all the participants.

Then a contest was held for the best dressed in a tutu for both men and women. As the finalists werepresented The Village Peoples, "Mach Man" was played and the crowd selected the best dressed.Then it was the women' turn and they were presented with Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to HaveFun" playing. The best dressed were then crowned as King and Queen. Then Dianne with theassistance of Race Director, Karen Charles presented the overall and age group awards.

Runners were treated to a variety of refreshments to include yogurt and juice courtesy ofWakefern/Shop Rite. Afterwards many of the participants headed over to the Spring Lake Tap Housefor a post run celebration. There were raffle for many prizes and an impromptu playing by DaveDemonico on his trumpet of Happy Birthday in honor of Race Director Karen Charles who was alsocelebrating her birthday.

Next weekend will be really busy one with plenty tochoose from to include:

Saturday , October 4, 9:30 a.m., Shillelagh 5K, LakeComo, New Jersey, On Line Registration

Saturday, October 4, 8:30 a.m.5K, Shark Run, BayHead, New Jersey

Saturday, October 4, 5K, Strides for Scholarships, Bayville, New Jersey

Saturday, October 4, 5k, Purr and Pooch 5k, Long Branch, New Jersey

Sunday, October 5, 9:30 a.m. 5K, Little Silver 5k, Little Silver, New Jersey

Sunday, October 5, 5K, 8:30 a.m. Allaire 5k, Allaire State Park, Wall, New Jersey

Sunday, October 5, Jersey Shore Half Marathon, Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Sunday, October 5, 8:30 a.m. 5K, Run/Walk for Wellness and Recovery, Piscataway, New Jersey

Sunday, October 5, 5K, Colts Neck PBA 5K, Colts Neck, New Jersey

Sunday, October 5, 5k, 9:30 am, Change A Life Uganda 5k Run/Walk for Education, Middletown,New Jersey

More events can be found on the race calendar.