Sunday, November 4th was a record-breaking day in Princeton, New Jersey. The sold-out HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon welcomed the race’s largest field of finishers with an unprecedented 1,484 runners crossing the finish line at Paul Robeson Place, after completing a 13.1 mile run on the challenging course throughout historic Princeton.
The Princeton Half got off to a great start, as Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert sounded the bullhorn to set the runners off. Runners and spectators were treated to the beautiful fall foliage in full swing in Princeton on the brisk fall morning. The course introduced runners to the historical Princeton landmarks including; Princeton Battlefield, the Institute for Advanced Study (the home of Einstein), Princeton University, the Princeton Boathouse, Westminster Choir College, and more.
The strong number of finishers in the race was just the beginning of the record-breaking accomplishments for the day. The top male and female finishers broke course records as they crossed the finish line. Top male finisher, Mo Alkhawaldeh broke his own 2017 record of 1:13:41, by running 1:13:23 (5:36 pace), while top female finisher, Erika Meling broke the 2017 record of 1:26:24, by running 1:24:53 (6:28 pace). Major Liz Lempert presented Mo & Erika, both employees of Princeton Running Company by Jack Rabbit, with the coveted Mayor’s Cup, recognizing the male and female with the fastest finishing time who are employees of a Princeton-based business.
While each race finisher was awarded with a victory medal and cheers from spectators, a formal ceremony recognized the top three overall male and female finishers and the top three finishers in designated age groups from 14-85. As part of the ceremony, Lisa Shelby, HiTOPS Interim Executive Director and Stephanie Berez, Director of Marketing of the Finish Line sponsor, Trojan Brand Condoms, congratulated all runners, sponsors, and volunteers, and distributed the commemorative plaque awards to:
- Top Male Finishers: Mo Alkhawaldeh 1:13:23, Rich Burke 1:16:53 and Keith Carroll 1:17:39
Top Female Finishers: Erika Meling 1:24:53, Miri Goldberg, 1:30:21 and Belmax De Jesus, 1:32:00.
A complete list of top finishers by age group can be found, HERE.
The unprecedented accomplishments of the day extended to the race presenter and beneficiary, Princeton-based 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, HiTOPS. With record-breaking runner participation and a successful individual fundraising campaign, the event exceeded their fundraising goals to deliver the strongest results in the race’s 6-year history.
The HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon is the core annual fundraising event for HiTOPS and supports their important work that positively impacts the lives of adolescents through sexual health education and support.
In fact, celebrating the fundraising goals was an integral part of the race-day festivities. Bob Perkins of Lawrence Township, NJ, was awarded the Good Runner Award, by Annie Pasqua, HiTOPS’ Director of Development & Communications, acknowledging the largest fundraising effort by an individual fundraiser. The Good Runner program remains open through November 28th and rewards fundraisers who raise $500 or more with a full race registration refund.
While the event drew from 25 states and Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, Canada, India, and Japan, the local Princeton community played a large role in the event’s success. This includes; The Municipality of Princeton & Mayor Liz Lempert, Princeton Police (especially Sgt. Murray & Lt. Maurer), Princeton University (Duncan Harrison, Kristin Appelget, Erin Metro), The Princeton Clergy Association (Dave Davis & Jim Erickson), Princeton Public Works, Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, Princeton Fire & Police, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Police Officers, Westminster Choir College Security, Clare Millington, Jineen Jirovec, Dianne Zide, Brian Rosener, and our 250+ volunteers.
These efforts contributed to the positive runner sentiment following the race. “I’ve been telling everyone how much I loved the race. Just the right size, a perfect mix of historical sites, neighborhoods, university tour, hills and flats, paths and pavement, all the support you need – it has it all! … Will now make it a regular on my calendar”. Jay Hass, Philadelphia, PA.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming enthusiasm and support for the HiTOPS Half. Not only does this event help to connect us with the community we serve, it helps fund the important adolescence services that we provide. We are very appreciative of our Race Director, Courtney Newman, for creating such a successful event.” states HiTOPS’ Shelby, conveying the significance of the race’s success to the charity.
As tradition dictates, a celebratory Kegs and Eggs after-party was held at Princeton’s Alchemist & Barrister, where runners, sponsors, organizers, spectators, and volunteers cheered the day’s accomplishments.