Fitzgerald's Lager Run in 10 Pictures - Race Review

The Fitzgerald's Lager Run is one of the most relaxed yet competitive runs in New Jersey, taking place the last Sunday every June at dusk.  This run is usually a USATF Grand Prix race but also attracts amateurs, young and old, along with those out pushing their baby joggers.

The registration area was well organized and easy to find the race number pickup, t-shirts, and more importantly, every line moved quickly without any waits present.

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Plenty of Porta-Potties....

 

The starting line was well organized located about 100 yards form the registration area.  A short walk up the hill from Hurrell Field, where the expo and finish line area were, was the starting line.  Most runners were loose and excited, with an atmosphere care-free enjoying a summer evening with awesome weather in the 70's.

 

 

 

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The route through Glen Ridge is mainly along pictureque Ridgewood and Forest Avenues, with stately Victorians, Classic Tudors, and gas streetlights.  The course was very well marked with mileage markers properly located, police officers directing traffic (and runners if needed), and a fair crowd of supporters turning out.

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Entering Hurrell Field, you run 3/4 of the way around finishing on the track.  You're given your medal, and immeadiately you have a bottle of water in your hand.  Being held in late June, the temperatures can range form 90 degrees to the low 60's, so either way it's nice to start cooling down.

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The finish line and post-race party is where this race shines.  You have 2 vouchers for beer, unlimited Philly style soft pretzels, and pre-cut watermelon.  I mean, what else do you need after a race?!

 

Sunday night is FUN night!!!

 

This race has all the makings of a well oiled machine - easy registration/pre-race packet pickup, course well laid out with plenty of great scenery, and a finish line and post-race party that keeps you hanging around till the sun goes down (literally)...