Ben Clarke, a 27-year-old engineer from Morristown, shaved 10 seconds off last year’s second-place finish to win the 2011 Lawyers for Kids 5K on Thursday in Morris Township. His winning time was 16:21:95.
Jane Albright, 28, of Basking Ridge took the women’s division with a top time of 19:32:25.
More than 600 runners, walkers and kid “gallopers” came to Ginty Field, exceeding last summer’s turnout and probably surpassing last year’s charity proceeds of $25,000, said Nancy Bangiola, executive director of the Morris County Bar Association.
Photos by Bill Lescohier. Please click icon below for captions
The revenue supports Morris County Bar Foundation legal clinics and assistance programs for nonprofits, and also helps CASA, short for Court Appointed Special Advocates, assist children who are caught in the court- and child welfare systems.
“This is just a fantastic charity. They do great work,” Nancy said. “This is very gratifying–and a fun evening.”
Although she didn’t make the winner’s circle, Emily Ginder of Bloomfield turned in a respectable time of 34:49 in the 55 to 59 division.
“I run this course a lot,” Emily said after the race, huddling in a tent as a rain shower passed through. “There is a tough hill in the middle. It’s all downhill after that.”
In second place for the women was Janet Patterson, 45, of Morristown, with a 20:31:23 mark. Candice Powell, 35, of Montclair was third at 20:53:42.
For the men, Doug Clark, 42, took second with a 16:33:44 mark and Rich Burke, 44, was third at 16:35:65. The three fastest men all hail from Morristown.
One woman runner, who appeared to be overcome by the heat, was taken to Morristown Medical Center and released later on Thursday evening, according to Nancy Bangiola.
Please click icon below for captions.
