A few times each year, AFRC members host pre-race or post-run gatherings at their homes. These gatherings always include food and sometimes adult beverages. Whenever club members attend a race in mass, we try to schedule a post-race lunch gathering at a nearby pub or restaurant. The club also holds a holiday party every December. These events are always announced through the club email system.
The Great Swamp Devil 5K & 15K Started in 1990 by Dean Shonts of the Sneaker Factory, the Great Swamp Devil 5K & 15K races were handed off to Amazing Feet in 2011. AFRC is now the official running club sponsor of these races which are held in October on Lord Stirling Rd. in Basking Ridge, NJ. The races are put on for and by The Lord Stirling School a non-profit day school for pre-adolescents and adolescents who have not succeeded in mainstream education. Club members are asked to volunteer to help run the races. Contact the race director Tom Miller if you would like to volunteer. Jodi Lee Alper generally hosts a party at her home following the races. Members are asked to bring a dish to share. It's a great day of giving back and having fun.
Simon, Mark, Gene, Carlo, Dave, Bill, Ricardo
The Legal Runaround 5K Every spring the club also supports The Legal Runaround 5K. The race takes place in Somerville, NJ on the Thursday evening prior to Memorial Day weekend as part of the Tour of Somerville cycling festivities. AFRC members serve as course marshals to keep runners on course and motivated. Food is provided by Verve restaurant for volunteers and racers. It's a wonderful event presented by the Somerset County Bar Foundation. It benefits several organizations dedicated to helping children.
Jingle Bell Holiday Run In mid-December each year, the club holds an informal Jingle Bell Fun-Run for club members only. Members feeling jolly sport their bells, antlers and lights, just to name a few! The course loop is 4.7 miles, beginning and ending at War Memorial Field in Basking Ridge, NJ. Afterward attendees typically visit Ridge Pizza for dinner and beverages. The run is very informal and great fun!
Marathon & Ultra Marathon Training
Many club members are active marathon and ultra marathon runners. If you're considering running in one of these events, ask around or e-mail the club membership. You can get some great training tips and race day advice. Many major "long runs" are held in the spring and fall. You can always find club members training for one of these events. Ask around and you'll find partners for those long training runs.
AFRC encourages membership in USATF-NJ (www.usatfnj.org). In addition to supporting the sport of running, your membership will entitle you to registration discounts and prizes in some races. AFRC is registered with the USATF (Club No. 07-0116).
Barbara, Dave, Jodi, Simon, Debbie and Per at the Super Hero Half Marathon
"Marathoning is just another form of insanity." John J. Kelly, winner of the 1952 Boston Marathon
