5K Run Honors Nation’s Fallen Heroes, Supports Charities

During a solemn holiday weekend where the tragedy and sacrifice shown on September 11, 2001 are remembered a decade later, the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) held the 9^th Annual "Fallen Heroes" 5K Run at in Belmar on Saturday morning.

According to the organization, the rain-or-shine event will benefit "the health and safety of our brothers and sisters, and to secure the well-being of the widows and children of our fallen heroes", namely members of the Armed Forces, police officers, firefighters and emergency responders. Proceeds from the 5K race are also supporting the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation, the Connecticut Burn Camp, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Leukemia Society.

In his pre-race remarks, Mayor Michael Ryan called the 5K race "a great event", and one that would properly pay tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11.

"2,974 people from 88 countries were lost on that day, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey lost 38 firefighters," the mayor explained. "The FMBA is a great organization to put on this race every year."

Berkeley Heights, New Jersey resident Annie Hager delivered a stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner prior to the start of the race.

FMBA President Bill Lavin labeled the 5K race as "very important in helping to keep the memory of our heroes alive, along with their sacrifice, and to promote the health and safety of everyone else who is still on the job."

FMBA Representative Bob Hill said that about 600 runners were registered for the race, making it the most successful incarnation of the event, participation-wise, thus far.

"This is our third one in Lake Como, and we’re looking to commemorate the unfortunate losses suffered a decade ago," Hill explained.

Hill added that the race was held to support 9/11’s fallen heroes, or as he described, "the people who ran towards the falling World Trade Center when everyone else was running away from it."

Hillside Fire Department Deputy Chief Douglas Ferrigno, present at the World Trade Center site on 9/11, called the race "a great annual tribute to everyone that has fallen."

Troy Powell, a firefighter from Montclair, New Jersey, ran the race in full fireman’s gear out of respect for his fallen comrades, and "was really looking forward" to participating in the day’s events.

Spring Lake Heights resident Rich Carragher commented that he was "proud to participate in a great event for such a worthy cause." 

Carragher added that he hopes participation and awareness of the race grows with each passing year, so that it can join other regional races like the Spring Lake Five and 5K’s for Spring Lake Heights, Sea Girt and Belmar as heavily-anticipated local events.

Overall male and female first-place finishers In the 5K race were 28 year-old Billy Bludgus of Bayonne, New Jersey with a time of 17:15, and 23 year-old Maggie Gousman of Bradley Beach, New Jersey with a time of 19:34. A full list of race results can be found on www.eliteracingsystems.com.

Further award categories in the race included ones given for first, second and third place finishers, as well as overall finishers and team awards for EMS workers, military members, firefighters, police officers, lifeguards and various age groups. A barbecue and party was also held for participants at Bar Anticipation following the race.