E.B. Road Races take on special meaning this year
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - The 29th annual East Brunswick Road Races are scheduled for Sunday, and with the 30th looming one year later, organizers are looking to draw the biggest crowd yet.

The day includes events for adults and children alike.

Stacey Kaplan, a member of the Road Race Committee, said the event will include a children's dash, one-mile walk for kids and adults, then a 5K run/walk, followed by a 10K run. Only the 5K and 10K events have charges.

The races were first held in 1978 as a way to promote fitness and support nonprofit organizations. Sunday's event will benefit Camp Daisy for Middlesex County children with disabilities.

In 1995, the East Brunswick Road Races added a 3K race and named it in honor of John Ragone, a longtime health and physical education teacher in New Brunswick.

Ragone was something of a legend in his area, having taught for over 20 years, and serving as cross country, winter and spring track coach for 23 years.

During his coaching tenure, his teams won four state championships and 56 team titles. In 1962, he was named Middlesex County Track Coach of the Year.

Ragone ran in the East Brunswick Road Race 3K in 1995, the first year it was named in his honor.

He started the race in later years, when it was expanded to a 5K, though the last time he ran it in full was 1995.

Ragone passed away in May at the age of 88.

"This will be the first race in his memory," Kaplan said.

The event is sponsored and organized by the Raritan Valley Road Runners and East Brunswick Recreation Department.

Registration is from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The kids' dashes begin at noon, and range from 50 yards to a half-mile. All children who take part get a goodie bag, as well as a pumpkin to paint.

The one-mile walk/run starts at 1 p.m. All children get a T-shirt and goodie bag, and all finishers receive a medal.

The elementary school with the most participants will receive a plaque, Kaplan said.

At 1:05 p.m., the 5K race takes place, followed by the 10K at 1:20 p.m.

The race begins at Crystal Springs Aquatic Center, Dunhams Corner Road, and runs along Riva Avenue, Hardenburg Lane, Fresh Ponds Road and Church Lane before returning to Crystal Springs, Kaplan said.

There is a $2 cost for each child in the dashes, and a $9 charge for each in the one-mile event. Parents who accompany their children in the one-mile event are not charged.

For the 5K and 10K, the cost is $20.

In addition to the races, there will be pumpkin painting, games, refreshments, music, vendors and prizes.

Events are open to prior participants as well as newcomers. Some 300 runners are expected this year.