Big race on Independence Day

For the twenty eighth straight year, Cranford will begin its Fourth of July celebration earlier than most towns when the Firecracker Four Mile commences at 9:30 am Wednesday at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. After starting modestly in 1980, the race quickly gained in prominence and has long been considered one of New Jersey’s top races as well as a starting point for a full day of activities at Nomahegan Park that culminates with a firecracker presentation at night.

Last year, despite hot and sultry weather, a large walk up entry and enthusiastic sponsorship helped make the 27th annual event the most successful ever according to second year race director Mike Rokicki. Buoyed by $5,000 from lead corporate sponsor Commerce Bank, the race raised a record sponsorship total of almost $23,000.

“Commerce continues to be a great supporter of all local activities and we’re very fortunate that they are so supportive,” said Rokicki who succeeded Vitas Roman, who directed in 2004-5.

Over 300 registered for the one-mile and over 1000 runners signed up for the four mile, with 924 finishing. While the turnout was comparable to recent years Rokicki is confident that turnout will increase this year.

“This race has a great word of mouth factor built into the race,” said Rokicki.
“People who have run it tend to come back year after year and bring in new people.”

The defending champion Brian Harris, 33 of Clinton, is expected to run although he admits he is just rounding into form after a personal best 2:32.49 at this year’s Boston Marathon which was run in a steady rain and heavy winds.

“I got pretty beat up at Boston and I am just starting to get some good training in.” said Harris

“I really enjoy running this race. The course is flat and there is a lot of good competition. I wouldn’t mind if the temperature is about 70 degrees that day,” added Harris.

The race is the major fundraiser for the Cranford Jaycees scholarship fund, which awards scholarships to Cranford residents graduating high school, based on community service and academics.

“I wouldn't say there is much "new" this year, but I am happy to say all of our
little amenities will be back. Free activities include disk jockey music, popcorn,
ice cream, face painting, cotton candy, etc. We are also providing a commemorative pint glass for those registered early enough for the second year. Last year it was very well received,” said Rokicki.

As always, the Jaycees will handle all volunteering and logistical aspects of the race, which can be considerable. In addition to Rokicki, Dr. Art Bilenker will be his usual ubiquitous self. Bilenker will handle post race announcing duties. The race will be timed by Compuscore using the race CHIP program, which automatically times each runner who has a chip affixed to their shoe. Bilenker, who has directed the race numerous times, is once again donating prize money to be paid to the second place finisher.

“We are lucky to have Art do what he does every year,” said Rokicki.

Another factor that draws a large number of repeat runners to the race is the amount of gifts each runner gets in addition to their tee shirt. In recent years, every runner has received such nice extras as designer polo bears, luggage or a men’s cologne package.

Bilenker, as has become the tradition, will be giving out numerous prizes after the race for such diverse skills” as the nicest legs, the most degrees earned, trivia questions and of course the runner who traveled the furthest. Usually there is at least one runner who has traveled across the country or come from overseas. The key to the race’s long-term success has been the dedication of the volunteers.

“On race day, many things do not go exactly as planned, as any Race Director
will tell you. The key is to make it look to the runners that everything is
fine, and it really is, but adaptation and flexibility is the key,” said Bilenker.

Everyone who volunteers, Jaycee or not, from the police and the First aid
squad to the people at the water stops and the sponsors should be thanked,” said Rokicki, who has never directed before but is confident that the number of experienced Jaycees will help sooth the transition.

“The Cranford Jaycees, being such an active group in the community, feel it”
our duty to encourage and reward a new generation of volunteers. We hope to increase the scholarship awards we offer each year,” said Rokicki.

The Jaycees sponsor and volunteer at various events throughout the year
including the Halloween parade, the Holiday tree trimming, the
children's Holiday party, , the pancake breakfast, the pasta night, the mini golf tournament, an NCAA night and NFC/AFC Championship Sunday fundraiser, and the
Leonard J. Snyder memorial fishing derby in honor of one of a Cranford Jaycee member
who died in the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center September 11, 2001.

Registration is available online at cranfordjaycees.com