THE RACE WINNER, DAVE MOORE OF STATE COLLEGE, PA

Inaugural Run to Read 5K
Huge Success Despite Weather

BY LAURIE GORDON

NEWTON, NJ--Despite a cold and nasty day, people of all ages traveled from all over the East Coast to Swartswood State Park on Saturday, April 11 to support the inaugural Run to Read 5K. Some ran or walked the 3.1-mile race while others came to spectate and make donations of gently used books.

Twenty-three-year-old Dave Moore drove three hours from State College, PA to run in the race and was the race champion turning in a blazing 15:49 on the double-loop course. With less than ideal conditions he came within just 30 seconds of the Park course record set several years ago by Newton High School standout Ray Biersback. Third place finisher, Ryan Hashway of East Stroudsburg, PA comes to many of the annual charity races held at Swartswood. "It's great to see a new race for a new charity," he said. Hashway, who coaches at North Warren High School and brought some of his athletes to the event, said, "The weather may have not been the best, but hey, in a few months we'll be complaining about the heat!" Fourth place finisher, David Hooper, is another fan of the charity races held at the park. "It was between going to a race in New York City or coming up to the country," said the Morristown, NJ resident. "It was a no-brainer to come here. They're always good events for great causes and they keep the entry fees reasonable compared to a lot of other races where the registration fees have shot sky high."