The race saw a net profit of $10,767 raised for scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Gloucester Township.
The morning of Saturday, April 8 was slightly chilly despite the sunshine, but that did not stop 140 people from showing up to the 21st Annual Gloucester Township Scholarship 5K.
The race saw a net profit of $10,767 raised for scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Gloucester Township. The race is one of multiple year-round events with proceeds that go to the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee.
Orlando Mercado directed the race for the sixth time this year, though he has participated in the race since 1999. He said he expected this race to produce 10 $1,000 scholarships.
Mercado said he has participated in runs since he was in college.
“I take bits and pieces of all the races I ran and try to add to it,” he said.
Runners gathered on Chews Landing Road across from Veterans Memorial Park and traversed a nearby neighborhood course under the watchful eye of the Gloucester Township Police Department.
Berlin resident Dominic Lizzio crossed the finish line first with a time of 16:48, beating the second-place finisher by more than two minutes. Matthew Parkinson, Eric Schwartz, Dawson Baptiste and Christopher Daley rounded out the top five male finishers.
Brittany Sandora was the first female to cross the finish line, logging a time of 20:28. Andie Schwartz, Liz Jackson, Laura Szmidt and Alyse Parker were among the top five female finishers.
Pat Lippincott of Wenonah in Gloucester County has been running since September 1963, and was not about to let a little cold weather stop him.
“I’m out here today having fun and giving it my all,” Lippincott said. “I’m just here to have fun.”
Jill Anne and Devrim Bal are self-described “weekend warriors.” They are working parents who made time to train for the event.
“We wanted to take part in the community and help out for a good cause,” Devrim said.
After the race, awards were given to top finishers among men and women in different age groups.
Mercado said his goal for future races is to get more people to participate.
