Record-Breaking Turnout for 12th Annual Pizza Race

More than 2,700 people participated in the Downtown Westfield Corporation’s 12th Annual Pizza Race Wednesday, according to Sherry Cronin, executive director of the DWC.

Cronin said 2,600 runners had pre-registered by Monday evening and more signed up ahead of race, making it the largest in the event's history. Clear skies and mild weather brought out runners of every age, with the youngest at 5 and the oldest at 81, according to Cronin.

Fourteen states were represented, with runners coming from as far away as Texas. Participants came from 249 different New Jersey towns, or nearly half the state. Thirty-six percent of runners were from Westfield, said Cronin, who added that several households had more than one person registered. The DWC estimates that approximately 6,000 spectators come out to cheer on the pack, which included walkers and those who got a free ride in a stroller.

Following the race, participants enjoyed cold beverages and, of course, some slice or two. Cronin said 740 pizzas were needed to feed the athletes, with pies coming from Cosimo’s, Ferraro’s, and Casa di Pizza. Shop-Rite baked up 5,200 cookies to serve up a sweet ending to the event.

Thanks to the mild weather, Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad members said no one sought treatment. One volunteer joked that all longtime member Lynn Feldman gave out were “directions and a Band-Aid.” Feldman added that the squad had six members running the race, including her daughter, Robyn.

Runners interested in upcoming 5Ks had a chance to find out more about two soon-to-be-held inaugural runs: ‘Greta’s Run’ and ‘Miracles for Myeloma.’  The former is set for Sunday, Sept. 15 and starts at the Westfield Area Y. The race, in memory of Greta Schoenemann, a Westfield High School student who died in September 2002 after she was struck by a tree limb, will benefit special needs programming at the Westfield Y.

The latter takes place on Oct. 5 in Oak Ridge Park and is held in partnership with the International Myeloma Foundation. ‘Miracles for Myeloma’ was founded by Gina Klemm, a Westfield resident who lost her brother to the form of blood cancer in December, and Ron and Sheree Pask. Sheree, a Westfield preschool teacher, is currently battling the disease. 

Check back with Patch for more information on each race as it approaches.

For more coverage of the Pizza Race, click on the following links:

Runners Make Their Way To Starting Line

And They're Off… Pizza Race Begins