2004 Firecracker Review

The Firecracker Four Mile closed out its first quarter century in grand style Sunday as perfect early July weather combined with new sponsorship to make the 25th annual event the most successful ever according to race director Vitas Roman. Buoyed by $5,000 from lead corporate sponsor Commerce Bank, the race raised a record sponsorship total of almost $23,000.

Over 300 registered for the one-mile and over 1000 runners signed up for the four mile, with 914 finishing. While the turnout was comparable to recent years attendance was held down by what Roman described as “an unkind calendar.”

According to Roman, Sunday race days have historically been lighter in terms of turnout because many people travel out of town for the long holiday weekend The race is the major fund raiser for the Cranford Jaycees scholarship fund which awards scholarships to Cranford residents graduating high school, based on community service and academics.

“TheCranford Jaycees, being such an active group in the community, feel it”
our duty to encourage and reward a new generation of volunteers.
Scholarship awards were $15,000 this past year and the 2004 Firecracker
4 Miler's success should greatly increase that total. ,” said Roman.

Anthony DeBenedictis, the 2002 champion won a much closer race than two years ago, defeating Tim Margan Jr by four seconds with a time of 20:41. The first Cranford finisher KC Brown, a 2002 graduate followed in third place in 21:20.

“It was a good workout for the fall season,” said Brown who completed his sophomore season at Bucknell. “I’ve always liked running this race and this was my best performance.”

As is often the case with their strong cross country team numerous present and former Cougar runners followed in the next 20 places led by 2003 runner-up Tim Styler, who surmounted injuries to finish fifth in 21:33. Junior Kevin Brown, a 9:22 two miler this spring followed in 11th place in 22:34. The Browns are not related. Last years’ freshman mile sensation Joe McKenney, running his first four-mile ran a little slower than hoped for but was 13th in a strong 22:44.

There was some grumbling among finishers that the 9:30 start time for the four mile allows for excessive heat buildup along the course but Roman said that an earlier start time is highly unlikely.

“The 9:30AM start time is a convenience to runners traveling that morning to the race. Also we attract many families with the one-mile event. Starting that event
earlier than 9:00 AM would discourage family participation ,” said Roman, who was directing for the first time.

“Besides, with family friendly activities like Good Humor ice cream, cotton candy,
a face painter, a clown, a DJ, balloons and the prize awards, the
Jaycees try and encourage runners and their families to make it a full
morning in picturesque Nomahegan.”


The Jaycees sponsor and volunteer at various events throughout the year
including the Halloween parade, the Holiday tree trimming, the
children's Holiday party, a children's Holiday party for Cranford Family
Cares, the pancake breakfast, the pasta night, the mini golf tournament,
an NCAA night and NFC/AFC Championship Sunday fundraiser, and the
Leonard J. Snyder memorial fishing derby in honor of one of a Cranford Jaycee member
who died in the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center September 11, 2001.

Runners this year were from Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts,
California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Iowa, Hawaii, all over New
Jersey and an international entrant from France.