Pancake Run is back to stay

By Laurie Gordon FREDON — The Pancake Run is back and on the calendar of runners and walkers from all over the area. It doesn't get much better than doing something healthy for your body while supporting a great cause, not to mention enjoying a well-earned pancake breakfast after. The run will be held at Lodestar Park on Saturday, March 31, to celebrate the arrival of spring. The annual event to benefit the Fredon Township Volunteer Fire Department had existed for years. About a decade ago, Fredon resident Bruce Wask decided to add a run prior to the breakfast. It was held on the "flat as a pancake" Paulins Kill Trail for several years, but there were problems. Given the event's time of year, the trail tended to be either still frozen or a muddy mess. This, coupled with a lack of volunteers, caused Wask to give up the run for several years. Last year, he brought it back at a different location. Now it's back on the annual calendar as a spring-welcoming event for many. Held at Lodestar Park, across from the Fredon Township School in Fredon, the event consists of a 5k (3.1-mile) race followed by a 1-mile run/walk. For the 5k, awards will be given to the top three male and female overall finishers as well as the top three males and females in 10-year age groups. "This is such a neat race," said Jackie Kaufman of Stillwater. "You get to do a nice run through a beautiful park and then enjoy pancakes." Both the 5k and 1-mile courses tour the bucolic Lodestar Park. The Pancake Run 5k will start at 9 a.m. with the 1-mile run/walk following at 9:30 a.m. The crowd will then head across the street to the Fredon Municipal Building for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and the awards ceremony. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, and beverages. Also, don't be surprised if the Easter Bunny makes an appearance. There will also be baked goods for sale. Proceeds benefit the Fredon Volunteer Fire Company and the Polar Bears Track and Field Club. Lodestar Park is located at the corner of Routes 94 and 610. Pre-registration is $15 ($12 for seniors and $10 for children 11 and under) for the 5k with race day prices increasing by three dollars. The 1-mile entry fee for all ages is $10 for those who pre-register for and $13 the day of the race. For more information contact Bruce Wask at 973-579-9177 or e-mail brucewask @ nac.net.