Boy wins 5K benefiting schools
WEST MILFORD. About 40 members of the Jr. Highlander Track Club take part in the first race sponsored by the Highlander Education Foundation.
| 26 Sep 2024 | 07:38
Runners begin the Highlander Education Foundation 5K on Sunday, Sept. 22 in front of West Milford High School. (Photos by Kathy Shwiff)
Bryce Leslie, 13, of West Milford won the Highlander Education Foundation 5K with a time of 20:32.70.
A. Fulton, 9, of West Milford runs up a hill toward the finish.
Spectators cheer on the runners.
Members of the Jr. Highlander Track Club warm up before the race.
Bill Ash, 82, was the oldest runner.
R. Leslie, 6, right, holds hands with Lola Novak, 16, as they run.
Bryce Leslie, 13, of West Milford won the Highlander Education Foundation 5K on Sunday, Sept. 22 with a time of 20:32.70.
He was one of about 40 members of the Jr. Highlander Track Club who took part in the first race sponsored by the foundation, which raises funds for supplemental programs in the township’s public schools.
Cameron Leslie, 10, of West Milford was second with a time of 20:56.34, followed by Matthew Gough, 36, of West Milford with a time of 21:00.18.
The top three female finishers were Elizabeth Corkum, 40, of Warwick, N.Y., (fourth overall) with a time of 21:05.84; Emma Lawrence, 12, of West Milford (fifth overall) with a time of 21:49.89; and Kayla Clegg, 12, of West Milford (ninth overall) with a time of 22:22.73.
Nearly 100 people entered the event. Their ages ranged from 6 to 82.
Paradise Knoll School teacher Brian Leslie, who emceed the race, was pleased with the turnout. He expects the number of participants to triple by the third year of the race.
Brian Leslie, president of Jr. Highlander Track Club, pointed out that the club members were running a 5K for the first time.
Former Mayor Carl Richko, who has run in 5Ks as well as in marathons in other towns, was happy to take part in a local 5K that benefits the schools.
The course was not easy because it had several hills, he noted.
CORRECTION: Brian Leslie’s role in the race was incorrect in an earlier version of this article.