Scenes from Union's 13th Annual Mayor's Day 5k

UNION, NJ – Over 450 runners and walkers took part in the Union’s 13th Annual Mayor’s Day 5K Run on Sunday morning, beginning at the Union High School field.

The rain held out just long enough to get the 5k in.  “I am happy it is dry,” said Greater Union Township Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Masterson.  “This is a record year.  We have 96 sponsors. It’s exciting.” Shake A Paw Center for Rescue and Adoption of Union is the event’s Major Event Sponsor for the eighth time in a row.

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Some of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the family of baby Leighton who was born prematurely and has spent the past seven months in the hospital.  “We are hoping for an Oct. 2 release date,” said her mother, Ms. McCall .  “When she was born, doctors and nurses said she wouldn’t make it past the week.  She is now seven months old.  She is doing very, very well.  Thank you very, very much for allowing us to be your cause this year.  Thank you to all of the sponsors.  We really appreciate it.”

“As much fun as this event is, it’s so important to help the cause,” said State Senator Joe Cryan, who ran the 5k.  “I can’t wait to meet Leighton.”

Masterson recognized Union County Orthopedic Group, who were a sponsor of the event and registered more than 100 runners from their team.  “This partner in our community has added to our race in a big, big way.  We wanted to commemorate that,” he said as Union Mayor Manuel Figueiredo presented a recognition to the organization.

The overall male winner of the 5k was Marcos Zavaleta, 25, from Elizabeth with a time of 17:49.  The first female to cross the finish line was Elena Rozhko, 51, or Morristown with a time of 20:05. For all the results of the Union Mayor's Day 5k click HERE .

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“Thank you to everyone,” added Masterson.  “Whether you ran, you walked, because you sponsored or helped out, thank you.”

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