Photo Gallery: Firecracker Run Draws a Crowd

Nomahegan Park buzzed with activity yesterday as more than 1,500 participants turned out for the annual Firecracker Four Mile Run. Organizer Mike Rokicki added that a record number of people – over 1,000 – pre-registered this year. 

That's good news for the Cranford Jaycees, a community activity organization which runs the event to raise funds for high school scholarships. 

While the main event was the 4-mile race, the 1-mile Cranford Jaycees Fun Run was also very popular and attracted an all-ages turnout – from young children to adults. 

While watching friends and family, many spectators got into the Fourth of July spirit and dressed in red, white and blue – even some dogs sported Independence Day regalia. Check out the Patch photo gallery, at right, and the top finishers below:

Top Male Open Finishers

1. Solomon Too, New Milford. Time: 20:42.37

2. Tim Morgan, South Plainfield. Time: 21:04.34.

3. Joe Jacobs, Bloomingdale. Time: 21:23.05.

4. Kevin Brown, Cranford. Time: 21:26.31.

5. Stephen Mennitt, Edison. Time: 21:33.71

Top Female Open Finishers

1. Dana Guglielmo, Basking Ridge. Time: 25:16.26.

2. Jessica Barr, Cranford. Time: 26:28.12.

3. Kait Chegwidden, Hamburg. Time: 26:45.23.

4. Karen Merz, Montclair. Time: 27:20.60

5. Sheila Courter, Westfield. Time: 27:26.28

Top Male Masters Finishers

1. David Craig, Westfield. Time: 22:34.33

2. Francicso Morales, Bound Brook. Time: 23:32.64

3. Sergio Cano, Jersey City. Time: 25:01.31

4. Eric Davis, Edison. Time: 25:04.05

5. Kevin Devine, Basking Ridge. Time: 25:08.72

Top Female Masters Finishers

1. Karen Merz, Montclair. Time: 27:20.60

2. Sheila Courter, Westfield. Time: 27:26.28

3. Catherine Stone, Hamburg. Time: 27:39.02

4. Wanda Wang, Fort Lee. Time: 27:55.99

5. Debby Hall, Westfield. 27:59.63