Featured Event

Second Annual Colonial Challenge 5K Run
Event organizers nervously watched the weather forecast prior to the October 3 Colonial Challenge. After last year's event when the skies opened and the temperatures dropped, they had reason for concern. Mother nature, though, had other plans. "There was a lot of great energy and the weather was perfect," said event Chair Phil Sibona, about the morning of the race. "We received overwhelming support and had a tremendous turn-out." Close to 600 participants arrived at Ginty Field in Morris Township to run the 5K race or walk the 2-mile course. Dozens of young runners sprinted around the park in the Kids' 1-mile Fun Run.

The Second Annual Colonial Challenge earned nearly $12,000 for the Morris Educational Foundation, which will go towards funding grants throughout the district. More than a fundraiser, the event is planned as a way of bringing the community together in the name of health and fitness. "We are so appreciative of the community's participation and support of the Colonial Challenge," MEF Chair Debbie Sontupe said. "The spirit and energy of the day are at the heart of the Morris Educational Foundation's mission and goals."

Part of the "challenge" is a competition among Morris School District schools to register the most participants. This year's winners were Thomas Jefferson School, Frelinghuysen Middle School's House of the Phoenix, and Morristown High School's Freshman Class. Each group received a portion of the event's proceeds. The friendly competition among schools and classes brings teachers, principals, students, and parents together for a good cause.

Phil Sibona stressed his appreciation for the event sponsorship. "We couldn't have done it with out their generousity!" Sponsors included: Strambi, Petrie, McLaughlin Group, Wells Fargo Advisors, Mike & Ginny Rich, Carol & Leslie Armour, New Market Translations, WABC-TV News, Wiley, Malehorn, Sirota & Raynes, Jersey Boy Bagels, Warner Chilcott, Paladin Realty Partners, Lanca Sales, George Haralampoudis, Huntington Learning Center, Ed Fleury & family, Convent Lukoil, Verizon Wireless, and VNA of New Jersey.

Visit the Colonial Challenge Website »

View more photos of the event on the Gallery page »