Over 500 people came to James J. Braddock Park in North Bergen to run the annual Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation 5k, which featured participants from various walks of life, even Gov. Phil Murphy (D).
“We wanted to do something new and it’s become really a staple in the town now. Luckily, we have a beautiful day today … For the first one the weather was nice, the next three it was just raining and horrible weather, and we still had a successful day, but it was still not a good day for running,” recalled state Senator (D-32)/Mayor Sacco.
He added that at least 440 runners signed up in advance and that people were still signing up the morning of, making for a robust turnout where the winner completed the course in just under 17 minutes, about a full minute before anyone else finished.
Sacco further stated that his non-profit organization contributes to a number of local causes, such as giving out 10 college scholarships to graduating seniors at North Bergen High School this year.
“Charities contact us for assistance and we help them, we help as many charities as we can,” Sacco concluded.
The race commenced around 10 a.m. and was over in under an hour, where dozens of people hung around to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, beer and other refreshments as part of a post race party that lasted well into the afternoon.
