(Courtesy of the Union Y) On Sunday, March 13, the YM-YWHA of Union County hosted its first Grogger Gallop 5K Run/Walk Eighty-two participants braved unseasonably cold temperatures to run or walk in the race in addition to friends and family who cheered on the “Gallopers.”
The race began with the “starting grogger” at the Union Y’s campus on Green Lane and wound through neighboring streets in Union before ending back at the Y. Men’s winner Eitan Speyer, 15, finished with a time of 20.16 minutes at a blistering pace of 6:23 minutes per mile. The women’s winner was Elana Pascher, 16, who finished with an impressive time of 28:47 minutes.
Springfield resident and Y board Member Elly Markovic said, “It was such a great event for both kids and adults alike!” while Hillside resident and local eccentric Ryan Sullivan gushed, “I never had so much fun in my life!”
Members of the Y’s Running Club, coached by Steven Rosen (the second place finisher) were out in full force. Runners included Tzvi Balken, Adira Dombeck, Shaindy Feuerstein, Leah Fischweicher, Joey Krausz, Aviva Lipper, Dovi Lipper, Yael Major, Sarit Milstein, Elan Rosen, Zev Rosen, Liba Schvarcz, Gavriel Shteingart, Daniella Speyer, Amalia Stadler, Gav Stadler, Solomon Stern, Chana Sullivan, Akiva Van Houter, and Eliana Wizenfeld. The youngest participant was Benjie Rosen, age 6; the most “senior” participant was Edward Wright, age 75. Over half of the top 25 runners were under 12 years old.
During and after the 5K, the Union Y hosted a fun Purim carnival with classic carnival games, face painting, bouncy houses and prizes. The games were professionally run by middle school students from Bruriah and the JEC. When asked what he thought of the carnival, attendee Moshe Starr said, “I focused mainly on getting as many tickets as I could so I could get the best prize!” Everyone had a great time.
The Union Y thanks all of the sponsors of the Grogger Gallop, and in particular its Platinum Sponsors, the RSM US Foundation and TWRG Realty Group. Next year’s Grogger Gallop is tentatively scheduled for March 5, 2023.
