Walkers and runners go the distance for families in need during Run for the Red Hot Cocoa 5K
More than 240 runners and walkers laced up their sneakers and took to the streets of Milburn to support the American Red Cross during its annual Run for the Red Hot Cocoa 5K on Sunday, December 8.
The day kicked off with a kids fun run followed by a 5K out-and-back course through the streets of the South Mountain Reservation. First across the finish line was Marshall Boles of Summit with a time of 17:55:95, followed by Andrew Henderson of Kearny and Jackson Levine of Summit at 18:20:22 and 18:43:76 respectively. Danilea Van Roon of Millburn took the top overall female spot with a time of 21:19:41.
“We’re grateful for all of the runners and walkers who came out to support Red Cross services at this year’s Run for the Red Hot Cocoa 5K,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “It is thanks to our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers that the Red Cross is able to be there for families when they need it most.”
The Run for the Red Hot Cocoa 5K was made possible by the generous support of Official Race Sponsor M&T Bank; Platinum Sponsor Investors Bank; Gold Sponsors McDermott, Will & Emery, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and Sills, Cummis & Gross P.C.; Silver Sponsors AIG, AON, Audio Visual Associates, Belair Services, LLC, The Blau & Berg Company, Chubb Personal Insurance, NFP P&C Private Client Group, Nisivoccia, PURE Insurance, and Theatre Arts PT; Bronze Sponsors Lois Schneider Realtor and Precision Financial Services; and Partners Sneaker Factory of Millburn, Millburn Free Public Library, Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce, and Millburn Township Committee.
“We are also thankful to the Township of Millburn for once again welcoming the Red Cross with open arms and supporting this important fundraising effort,” Taravella added.
Proceeds from the race support Red Cross programs and services that help families prepare for disasters large and small. Last year, the Red Cross New Jersey Region responded to more than 82 local disasters, helping 2,150 displaced families; collected more than 94,500 units of blood for patients in need; trained 114,570 individuals with life-saving preparedness, CPR, AED, first aid, and aquatic skills; and provided 7,230 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or receive counseling and referrals.
Join the more than 4,400 volunteers across New Jersey who step forward each and every day to help their neighbors in need by visiting, redcross.org/volunteer.