Patriots Hit a Homerun With the 2nd Annual 5K Run (96 photos)

The horns sounded, and more than 270 runners at the TD Bank Ballpark sprang into action for the 2nd annual Somerset Patriots 5K Run Monday.

The course, moderately challenging with some hills and inclines, looped around the entire ballpark, and included a lap around the warning track of the playing field, before ending in the Red parking lot.

Runners, both experienced and first-timers of all ages and from around the state, navigated the course.

"The majority of people are active runners who participate in 5K runs," said Marc Rusinoff, vice president of public relations and emcee of the awards ceremony. "The majority are fans. But there are some new people as well. It's a mix of people."

The Patriots' run was held to raise money for The Somerset Patriots Children's Educational & Sportsmanship Foundation, a non-profit organization formed by the Patriots a few years ago to support local community initiatives.

"We're very active with many charities throughout the year," said Patrick McVerry, president and general manager of the Patriots. "The Patriots donate about $100,000 throughout the season."

McVerry said he estimated that this year's run raised about $3,000.

The mix of people participating in the race included husband and wife, Michael Basin and Vicki Comerchero, of New York City.  The two are part of the Central Park Track Club, and are training for the New York City Marathon.

Like many of the runners who participated in the Patriots' run, the two were running for a cause, namely to raise awareness for colon cancer.

"There were challenges, and lots of turns," Comerchero said. "You had to pace yourself. It was a great race."

And it was good for Basin, who had the overall quickest time in the men's division at 17 minutes, 16 seconds and 53 milliseconds.

With participation in the race, guests also received tickets to the home game against York Revolution scheduled for Monday evening, as well as fireworks after.

The Patriots aim to support the community that has been supportive of the team through this yearly run. The team also donates raffle prizes to more than 1,500 events a season, and recently sponsored a golf outing, while a movie night is in the planning stages for October.

McVerry himself further contributed to the team's foundation by entering his three children in this year's race.

Gordon Reiterman, of Bridgewater, said he runs every day, and finished with the best time for men in his age group.

Branchburg residents Cathy Dayton and her two children cheered on husband and dad Peter, who ran in the race.

"We came last year and had a really great day," Cathy Dayton said. "It was a great success."

Tara Zimlicki, also of Branchburg, finished with the best overall time in the women's division.

"We always want to be good neighbors and help out," Rusinoff said. "There is something for everybody at the ballpark."

The Patriots hope there are wins for the team at the ballpark for the rest of the season, which ends Dec. 19.

"We're excited," McVerry said. "Hopefully you'll see us in the playoffs. [It will be] the 9th time in 13 years."

The Somerset Patriots played its inaugural season in 1998, and TD Bank Ballpark opened the following year, now hosting 70 Patriots home games a season.

The team plays in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, and is managed by former Cy Young award winner and World Series Champion Sparky Lyle. The team has been the most successful in the league, winning five Atlantic League titles.

For more information on the Somerset Patriots, visit the website at somersetpatriots.com.