Hundreds Participate in 20th Annual Rumson Fair Haven Run

Around 300 people ran in the 5 mile race at the Rumson Fair Haven Run on Sunday, May 8 at the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) and another 150 ran the 3K.  

"The race has been an annual community event for almost 20 years," said Leslie Curran, the race director for the past 6 years and now an active on the board.

Curran said the event draws over 1,000 people total for the different races throughout the day. The morning started with the 5 Mile A.J. Bruder race at 9:30 in front of the school, followed by the 3K Fun Run at 11:00 and finished with the Kiddie Dash. 

"The 5 Mile was renamed the A.J. Bruder 14 years ago to honor a former track star from RFH who won the first annual Run and who passed away at a young age from a brain tumor," said Curran.

Robert Cavanaugh, 33, from Long Branch had the lowest time overall in the 5 mile run. Karen Charles, 38, from Wall was the first woman to cross the 5 mile finish line. Jack Higgins, 12, from Rumson won the 3K race. Bridget Curran, 15, from Rumson was the first female to finish the 3K. All of the results from the races can be found on RaceForum.com.

All money raised at the Rumson-Fair Haven Run goes to the local community. "We raise money for local EMS and  scholarships for seniors at RFH who have showed a strong commitment to community service," explained Curran.

The Key sponsors this year included Howley Financial, Amerihealth, and Gloria Nilson. Other sponsors were Warshauer Electric, Walsh Benefits, Olson Lane Group,  Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Atlantic Diagnostics, Giordano Halleran & Ciesla, Cooper Rehabilitation, Rumson Fair Haven Bank & Trust, Provident Bank, Stephen Rounsville Wood Working, Mountain Hill School, Dr. John Connors.

"It is truly a community effort with volunteers from the two towns, senior citizens, Key Club members of the high school, track and cross country teams, Mayors Halfacre and Ekdahl, Fair Haven Fire Police and Rumson and Fair Haven EMS and Police Departments," said Curran.