Costumed Runners Take Y's 'Spooky Sprint' Challenge

Written by Bev McCarron

With a giant balloon spider bobbing overhead, more than 250 runners surged from the starting line in the third annual Halloween-themed Spooky Sprint 5K run held by the Somerville Family YMCA, Saturday.

Winding through the streets of Somerville, the winning runner completed the course in a time of 19 minutes and 36 seconds. She was Jessica Braun, 38, of Bridgewater.

The fun run attracted its share of costumed participants, from Batgirl to a witch.

"Saturday was a gorgeous day and everyone who came out for our benefit run had a great time,” Sarah Nathans, executive director of the Somerville Family YMCA, a branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA, said. "We had participants in all age categories, from small children being pushed in carriages to an 81-year-old man. This is a truly a community-wide event and we are proud to host it.”

There were a total of 265 registered runners in the race, a USA Track and Field certified run. In second place was Patrick Chopay, 25, of Hillsborough and in third place, Ryan McCabe, 15 of Berkeley Heights.

The 5K began at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of East High and Grove streets, and ended with an awards ceremony along East High Street, which was blocked off for the morning. Food, music and activities for children were offered. 

All proceeds of the Spooky Sprint go to the nonprofit Y's Annual Support campaign, which makes it possible to offer reduced prices for memberships, health and wellness programs, summer camp, swim lessons and child care for families and seniors with limited incomes.

Sponsors included Verve, who provided a post-race buffet, Sen. Christopher “Kip”Bateman, Heidi Kelleher, McLachlan Realtors, and The Children’s Hospital at St. Peter’s Medical Center, Bridgewater Nissan, Fleischer & Fleischer Attorneys, Somerset Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center, and Lasered Effects.