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March 18, 2004

Runners throughout north-central New Jersey are gearing up for the 10th Annual Colonia 5K Race and Chris Jantas Fun Run. The event will be held Saturday, April 17, kicking off on Inman Avenue in front of St. John Vianney School. The Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K Race launches at 9:00 a.m. Both events are open to runners of all ages. "This is one of those great community events where everyone comes together," said Woodbridge Township Mayor Frank G. Pelzman, who will be on hand to officially start the 5K Race. "I look forward to seeing plenty of runners, and I invite residents to turn out and cheer them on for a good cause." The Chris Jantas Fun Run is named after the Colonia seventh grader who passed away of heat stroke while on a camping trip. Proceeds benefit the Chris Jantas Scholarship Fund, which awards money to graduating eighth graders for high school tuition. The 5K Race is a challenging course that takes runners over the Garden State Parkway bridge, past the high school, through the estate section, along Amherst Avenue and back to St. John Vianney. It is certified by USA Track and Field, the national governing body for track & field, long-distance running and race walking. There are cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers in the 5K, as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for top runners in each 5K age group. Prizes will also be awarded to the last place finisher and the oldest finisher, as well as to youngsters who participate in the Fun Run. Everyone who registers to run is automatically entered into a drawing for two tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S., compliments of Vista Travel/Continental Airlines. 10th Annual 5K Race and Fun Run, "The Colonia 5K Race and Chris Jantas Fun Run give runners a chance to show their stuff and raise money for a good cause," said Woodbridge Township Councilman Robert Luban, who represents Colonia. Proceeds from the 5K Race go toward renovating the Colonia High School running track, as well as general facility improvements for classrooms and offices at St. John Vianney School. Runners must pre-register. They may do so the day of the event, by registering online at www.active.com, by calling 732-388-9120 or 732-549-9440 or in person at Runner's High, 454 Main Street in Metuchen.