NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Last Saturday, runners from over New Jersey took part in the 9th annual Jimmy D 5K and Women’s 5K State Championship, beginning at the New Brunswick Middle School.

This annual run is held in memory of Deputy Chief James D’heron, a firefighter who died in the line of duty on September 3, 2004 while responding to a fire at a city residence.

This led to the founding of the James D’heron Memorial Foundation, whose mission is to support existing burn foundations, burn centers and burn survivors by hosting fundraisers such as the Jimmy D 5K.

Each year, this event grabs the attention of runners from all areas of NJ.  This year’s race alone attracted over 900 runners and 6 clubs including the Raritan Valley Track Club.

Garden State Track Club’s Steve Mennitt brought home the overall win, averaging 5:06 pace, and crossing the finish line at an astounding 15:50.

Nonetheless, winner of USATF Women’s 5k State Championship 2013 belongs to Cheyenne Ogletree of Garfield, who crossed the finish line at 17:27.

After completing the run, all participants were invited stick around for a small festival being held in Memorial Stadium, with refreshments were served.

Not long into the carnival, winners from several age groups were presented with medals.

The James D’heron Memorial Foundation has donated over $105,000 to the burn community, more than half way to reaching their goal of $200,000.

Sponsors for this year’s race included Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Rutgers University and Indigo Hair Salon located on George Street.

The foundation is accepting donations on their website, JimmyDFoundation.org.

Editor at New Brunswick Today | 732-993-9697 | editor@newbrunswicktoday.com | Website

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.