Brian Villegas (in the glittery green vest) won this year’s Lucky Run best-dressed competition.
Brian Villegas, of Clayton, threw his hands up as the winner of the Lucky Run’s best dressed competition.
Decked out in a green cowboy hat, green glittery vest, shamrock suspenders, green velvet cropped pants with white stockings, as well as a fitting shamrock fanny pack to hold his water, he was ready to Irish jig during the annual after-race festivities.
He proudly wore his race medal to accept the first-place win.
In its 14th year, the Lucky Run, now held in downtown Pitman, is South Jersey’s largest Irish themed 5K and 1 Miler. It was held on March 14 this year ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
“The race actually started in Pitman/Sewell back in 2013 at Clancy’s [Pub] and ran past Pitman High School,” explained race director Ken Culbertson. “After Clancy’s closed, it was relocated to Washington Township and The Village Pub for a few years.
“It has been back in the downtown Pitman area for four years now, partnering with Merryman’s Pub as the post-race host.”
The event has always concluded with an Irish-themed party featuring Irish music, giveaways, drink specials (one free Guinness included), and a best-dressed competition.
“The race has evolved into a family atmosphere more recently as we have added a one-mile kids race over the past three years,” Culbertson said. The 1 Mile Fun Run is for participants age 14 and under. In addition to the 5K and the 1 Mile Fun Run, participants who want to support the cause can also take part in a 1-Mile Walk.
Good Day for a Run, which hosts the Lucky Run, provides annual opportunities to apply for the Good Day For a Run Brand Ambassador program. Ambassadors promote the Good Day for a Run experience and help raise awareness about the organization’s events.
“The race has evolved into a family atmosphere more recently,” said the Lucky Run race director Ken Culbertson, noting that they added a one-mile kids race three years ago. In its 14th year, the Lucky Run, now held in downtown Pitman, is South Jersey’s largest Irish themed 5K and 1 Miler. It was held on March 14 this year ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
This was Erika Fine’s first year competing in the Lucky Run’s 5K race.
“Participating in the Lucky Run for the first time was such a memorable experience,” said Fine, a Delran resident, “and one that felt even more meaningful as a Good Day for a Run ambassador this year.
“I’m so excited to both promote and take part in so many of the amazing events that Good Day offers this season, and this race was the perfect kickoff,” said Fine.
“I am still relatively new to the running community,” she added, “and this running season is especially special as I am training with my husband and friend this year and at the Lucky Run we all hit personal records.”
The Lucky Run is one of the many races organized by Good Day for a Run, which lives by its tagline: “More Than a Race!”
“Our mission is all about mixing running with fun times,” the organization states on its website. “Our events feature quality, timed races on unique courses, but that’s just the start.
“After you cross the finish line, you can join us for great music, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of chances to kick back and connect with other runners.
“This vibe has helped us keep growing and creating memorable experiences all year long.”
The charity partner of the race is HEADstrong Foundation, which offers financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer. It was built in honor of Nick Colleluori, who endured a 14-month battle with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant, and experimental treatments.
He had been fulfilling a childhood dream of playing with the men’s lacrosse program on an athletic scholarship at Hofstra University. However, those dreams were cut short towards the end of his freshman year when he was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — a blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system in 2005.
Shortly after being diagnosed, Colleluroi recognized a lack of resources for cancer patients and their families. Experiencing the hardships firsthand, he created the HEADstrong Foundation from his hospital bed to raise awareness and funds for cancer by empowering athletes to support his mission. He drew the organization’s logo moments before entering the operating room for a procedure and outlined its mission and future plans.
Colleluori died on November 28, 2006. Before he passed, he asked his family to promise him that others following in his footsteps would benefit from his life.
Today, the Colleluori family, the HEADstrong staff, and volunteers are carrying out his vision.
They have raised millions of dollars and supported thousands of patients nationwide.
For Robyn Carlisle, of Philadelphia, the Lucky Run is a favorite having participated in the past four to five years.
“I specifically love the Lucky Run because it runs through my childhood hometown of Pitman,” said Carlisle, noting “it’s a somewhat challenging course.”
And runners get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, dressing up in festive costumes.
“I love that they have two after-race parties — at Merryman’s in Pitman and at Bonesaw [Brewing Co.] in Glassboro,” Carlisle said. “My personal choice for the afterparty is Bonesaw because it’s less crowded and the Irish band is wonderful.”
Good Day for a Run consistently puts on a great race day experience, which keeps Carlisle “coming back to run multiple races with them throughout the year.”
Not only are they local and easy to participate in, but she also notes they are “affordable, convenient, and fun,” and she always sees familiar faces.
Other positives include the support of small local businesses and the enthusiasm of race organizers, Carlisle said.
“Ken [Culbertson, the race director] and Beth [Culbertson, the race manager] are very likable and enthusiastic,” she said. “They listen to runners’ feedback and are constantly trying to improve their races.”
Winners of the Lucky Run 5K
Top Three Male Overall Results
- Dominic DeTanna, 37, Mt. Laurel – 17:24.90
- Stephen Mahon, 15, Hammonton – 17:32
- Anthony Moreno, 17, Woodstown – 18.37.17
Top Three Female Overall Results
- Lauren Wilder, 28, Merchantville – 22:44.72
- Rebecca Sweeney, 37, Wenonah – 23:07.96
- Leah Rosenkrantz, 49, Moorestown – 23:56.20
