Scene Around: A Firecracker of a July 4th Race — Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect

It was all about the fireworks with a morning 5K run on the Fourth of July in Fair Haven.

That’s because the now traditional annual Fair Haven Firecracker 5K Race had its usual bang of an 8 a.m. start and strong, showy finish at Fair Haven Fields.

“Roughly 50 runners and walks showed up with an extra heavy contingency of grade schoolers this time,” said former Fair Haven Borough Council President Chris Rodriguez and run organizer. “This is the fourth annual running of the race, which humbly started with six or seven runners in 2021 on a VERY hot day as we were emerging from lock down due to the pandemic.”

Fast forward to this year, and “the weather was warm at 74 degrees at the start of the race, but plenty cool for some fast times without overheating,” Rodriguez added. “Many of the runners were repeat racers and refreshments and music were supplied throughout the event. Special thanks to the volunteers who help set up and for the mayor who handed out the hardware to the winners.”

Awards were given to top female and male finishers in kids, high school and masters categories.

The 2024 race winners were:

• Fastest finisher, Colin Hendrikson, an RFH sophomore and Track Team member, with a time of 20:43;

• Next fastest finisher, third-grader Henry Farrant, with a 22:50;

• Top female finisher, RFH Track member Kaitlyn Hathaway, with a 22:54;

• Male Masters category winner, two-time winner, Jack Harrington, with a 22:59;

• Top female adult winner, Kelli Cumiskey, with a 24:16′

• Female Kids category, sixth-grader Natalie Farrant, with a 31:23.

“This race is put on at no cost to the participants and all supplies are donated,” Rodriguez concluded. “Only 147 days until the popular Fair Haven Turkey Trot!”

Check out the above photo gallery for a glimpse into the event. Be sure to CLICK on one photo to enlarge and scroll. Happy Fourth!

— Photos/Elizabeth and Chris Rodriguez