>Inaugural Ridgewood Octoberfest four-mile run a successful one
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011
BY GAIL KISLEVITZ
CORRESPONDENT
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
RIDGEWOOD — The Ridgewood Running Company staged its first race Oct. 2, the Octoberfest 4-Mile Run, a fast, flat course that started and ended at Benjamin Franklin Middle School.
It was perfect weather for running on the streets through Ridgewood. The concept for the race started months ago when Beth O’Connor, manager of the Ridgewood running store, met with town officials for approval on the course and street closure.
The original course included East Ridgewood Avenue and the downtown business area, but was not approved. A police officer suggested the approved course which started at East Glen and North Van Dien avenues, continued south and around the cemetery and then north on Franklin Turnpike, eventually turning left on Northern Parkway, another left on East Glen and then a second loop of the same course.
The course was certified by USATF-NJ and was a Grand Prix 500-point event. Prizes were given to the top three male and female finishers, the first male and female Ridgewood residents and the top three male and female winners in 10-year age divisions.
Proceeds from the race were donated to breast cancer research and Ridgewood Track and Field. The Market Basket in Franklin Lakes provided the post-race refreshments. Local sponsors included Greson Jewelers, Ridgewood Coin and Stamp and New York Sports Club.
