Run for Rich 5K raises $35,000

| 29 Sep 2011 | 09:10

    HAMPTON -- The biggest race in Sussex County history raised over $35,000 as over 650 runners and walkers came out to the Run for Rich 5-K at Swartswood State Park in Hampton. “It was all about the cause for the participants,” said Bogdan Bienko, of Tranquility, “It’s fantastic to see so many people coming from all over to help the Frtizky family. On October 3, 2005, long time Byram Township NJ resident and father of 12 children, Rich Fritzky suddenly came down with Neisseria Meningitis, a rare and deadly form of bacterial Meningitis that wreaks havoc with almost every bodily system leaving its victims in great pain and fighting for their lives. After an induced coma, the loss of limbs and a lengthy hospitalization that is still going on, his family is trying to pay the bills and persevere.” Newton’s Chris Savino was the winner covering the 3.1-mile out-and-back course in 16:40. The 18-year-old, who was a soccer and track standout at Newton High School, will be running cross country this fall at St. Joseph’s University, in Philadelphia, this fall. North Warren High School’s cross country coach, Ryan Hashway, was second in 17:06 and brought a number of his athletes to the race. “It gave the kids a chance to get in a hard effort plus be a part of a compelling community effort,” said Hashway. In the women’s race, the champion was Amanda Hefferan, who ran 20:31, a senior at Parsippany High School was 19th in last year’s cross country Meet of Champions and has run in the low 18 minutes for 5-kilometers. She has her sights set on placing within the top 10 in the state this fall. “It was great to be a part of something that really helped this family,” Hefferan said. “With hope,” Fritzky’s brother-in-law said before the start, “Rich will be home soon.” Top Men 1.Chris Savino, Newton, 16:40 2.Ryan Hashway, East Stroudsburg, PA, 17:06 3.Lucas Pratt, Blairstown, 17:14 4.Nick Gerafolo, Sparta, 17:33 5.Nick Meeker, Hamburg, 17:52 6.Greg Mullins, Wharton, 17:54 7.Adam Earny, Blairstown, 18:24 8.Nick Kazimierzak, Warren, 18:30 9.Jef Staple, Sparta, 18:35 10.Tyler Schiavone, Sussex, 18:53 Top Women 1.Amanda Hefferan, Parsippany, 20:31 2.Tina Flemming, Newton, 20:46 3.Lindsey MNcKee, Blairstown, 20:54 4.Ingrid Berken, Sparta, 21:14 5.Melissa McKee, Blairstown, 21:7 6.Molly McConnel, Newton, 22:24 7.Sandra Gonzalez, Morristown, 22:24 8.Karen Murphy, Wharton, 22:45 9.Jackie Engwall, Blairstown, 23:00 10.Mary Baker, Blairstown, 23:46