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v o l u n t e e r S k e e P t H e c l i n t o n t o W n S H i P c o u n t r y r u n r a c i n g i n t o i t S 1 5 t H y e a r
What once began as a grass roots effort in a Clinton Township resident's
home has evolved into something so much bigger. John Lertola, the founder
of the annual Clinton Township Country Run race, once used his kitchen as a base
to create his idea and recruit the help of friends, family and neighbors to make his
dream a reality. After more than a decade of success and astronomical growth, he
passed the baton to one such neighbor, Julianna Dolfinger-Price. Celebrating its 15th
Anniversary this year, the much-anticipated race has grown from 50 runners to more
than 750 runners! The Run continues to be honored by the USA Track and Field NJ
chapter as the only 15K race in the State of NJ to be awarded Championship status.
Volunteers and community support have made all the difference
in the Clinton Township Country Run. Tom Silvia and the Clinton
Township Parks and Recreation staff, local businesses and volunteer groups,
especially The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have contributed
to the success of the three-race event. Organizers estimate that 80% of the
volunteer man-hours come from Latter-Day Saints members, whose church building
is located across the street from Bundt Park where the race is held. However,
members of the LDS Church come from all over Hunterdon County to help.
Dolfinger-Price, also a member of the congregation states, "Serving in our
communities is in keeping with the values we hold as church members." Church
volunteers are used as course marshals, line organizers, timers and photographers,
manning information booths and food tables and handing out t-shirts. Youth from
the church assemble about 1000 registration packets several nights before the race.
Other volunteer groups also fill essential roles. Student volunteers from
NHHS's service club, Interact, staff key positions within the park. Clinton Township
provides EMTs and standby with an ambulance. Local Police assist every year by
directing traffic. Annandale Hose Company provides a fire truck at the start line. Area
businesses and organizations support the Country Run with donations of goods and
time. ShopRite of Clinton generously donates oranges, bananas and bagels. Dunkin
Donuts discounts donuts, coffee and hot chocolate. Weichert Realtors provides
mile-marker signs and staff to support water tables. The Hill Runners of Hunterdon
running club comes out each year to support the racers at water tables.
This year's race is set for Saturday, April 29, at Bundt Park in Clinton.
The 1-mile starts at 8:30 am, the 15K at 9 am and the 5K at 9:15 am. New this year
to the 15 K race are bathroom facilities halfway through the course, shirts sized for
women, and all youth ages 14 and under participating in any of the three events, as
well as all participants of the mile run, will receive a medal at completion of their
races. To register for a race, visit www.CountryRun.us or register through
the Clinton Township Parks and Recreation website. Volunteers are still
needed. If interested, contact Julianna Dolfinger-Price at: clintontwp.
countryrun@gmail.com or at: 908.713.4722.
