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August 24, 2004

Event Spotlights Health Benefits of Exercise, Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports

Runners of all ages will fill the streets of Woodbridge Township for the Ninth Annual Crossroads of New Jersey Race, slated for Sunday, September 5.

The community event, presented by the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and The Club at Woodbridge, will feature 10K and 5K races and a One-Mile Fun Run/Healthwalk. There will also be Lollipop races for the very young runners. Children up to age 10 are invited to run in their respective age groups. All Lollipop participants are winners and will receive lollipop prizes.

All races will start and finish at the Municipal Building on Main Street. The event, which is part of the USA Track and Field-sanctioned New Jersey Grand Prix, will take place rain or shine.

“The Crossroads of New Jersey Race is a great way for families to participate in promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “There isn’t a better way to celebrate the benefits of physical fitness.”

Indeed, the race has become a favorite community event in Woodbridge. Residents line the course waving signs, offering cups of water and shouting encouragement to the runners making their way up Main Street.

This year’s Crossroads of New Jersey Race will inaugurate a new tradition: the bestowing of the Joseph A. Ward Memorial Trophy for the first male and first female Woodbridge Township resident finishing in the 10K event. Ward, a Port Reading resident who died in April, was one of the race’s founders and a committed community activist. “Joe was involved in creating and supporting many great causes that affected so many people in Woodbridge,” said Jeff Zirpolo, current chair of the event and chair of the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. “We hope this trophy not only honors his memory but inspires others to follow his example.”

Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the 5K and 10K races kicking off the event at 9 a.m. The One-Mile Fun Run/Health Walk starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Lollipop races at 10:45 a.m. Pre-registration forms can be picked up at Woodbridge Town Hall, Woodbridge Main Library, The Club at Woodbridge and Runner’s High in Metuchen. T-shirts will be guaranteed to all 10K, 5K and Fun Run pre-registered runners. For more information call 732-549-9440.