Local July Races

What better way to kick off July than running in the Cranford Firecracker 4 Miler this Saturday morning. The race is in its 30th year and has transformed over the past 10 years from a prize money focused event centered around world class athletes to a family oriented event. This flat, fast USATF-certified course takes you from Nomahegan Park in Cranford down the Boulevard in Kenilworth to Orange Avenue then onto the bike paths of Cranford until you reach Nomahegan Park again for the finishing 400 meters. The streets are tree-lined and spectators come out to cheer on the 1,200 or so runners and walkers along the bike path. Following the race there are raffles, music, refreshments, and plenty for the whole family to enjoy. What better way to spend the morning on the 4th.

If the four miles seems like a daunting task there is always the Fun Run which spans a mile starting at 9 a.m. The race starts in Nomahegan Park and finishes there as well. Follow that up with watching the four miler when the cannon goes off at 9:30 a.m. 

I recall running my first Firecracker 4 miler in 1997. At the time, I was brand new to running as a 15-year-old. I started running to stay in shape for baseball and soccer. Little did I know that prior winter and spring that I would be training all summer for cross country. Moving through the first mile of the course, I recall being slightly behind the leaders and in a pack of people who were all 10 years my elder. The pace was quick. The leaders accelerated and I ran my race not knowing what to expect. I ended up finishing 18th that year; Brian Klass was the winner. He had run for Cornell University and was just coming off an impressive year that saw him qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon. There were names in that race just ahead of me who had run some very good times in college and beyond. Current Scotch Plains coach Jeff Koegel was 13th; NJ State Cross Country Champion Carlos Martins ’86 was 14th and a handful of others.

So if you are in town, consider heading out for the Firecracker. It is a great race with plenty for the family to enjoy surrounding the race. Just think—the race will get you ready for the Westfield Pizza Extravaganza 5k on July 22. 

Despite last year’s race being called off on account of a massive storm hitting the area, the Westfield Pizza Extravaganza 5k will be held on July 22. One of the larger 5k races in the area, this Wednesday night race features a fast course and plenty of pizza afterwards on Quimby Street. This year’s race will also have moisture wicking shirts which are a plus to any race. Why not get ready for this race by coming out to the Westfield Running Company group runs on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. This week we will do the Downtown 5k course loop as part of the run. All are welcome.

These are two races that are must do's in the area over the next three weeks.  Compete against your neighbors, family and friends at both events and share in the family and community-based activities following each one.

Editor's Note: Timothy Styler is the manager of the Westfield Running Company and the President/CEO of NJ Races. He is a former head cross country and track coach for Cranford High School and ran for Villanova University.