St. Charles Rock 'n' Roll Run Back to School: A Downpour of Fun

The following release has been submitted by Angie Wojnar with St. Charles. 

Nearly 150 runners and walkers came out on Labor Day morning to participate in the 3rd annual Run Back to School. 

With the event’s rock 'n' roll theme this year, the tunes were blasting early as the competitors anxiously awaited the start of the first race, the 5K. With dark clouds looming overhead all morning, it wasn’t a matter of if the rain would come but when. 

At 9 a.m., with a slow drizzle coming down, the bullhorn sounded for the start of the 5K race. Starting and finishing in the parking lot of St. Charles Borromeo School, more than 70 runners, with the oldest at 72, traversed the mostly flat out-and-back course along the back streets of Cinnaminson neighboring the school. 

Guided by course signs and cheering volunteers along the way, the runners pushed themselves along the 3.1-mile course. With the higher temperatures and humidity, the water station around mile 1 and 2 was a welcome sight, with some runners urging the volunteers to just throw the water at them, wishes that were eagerly granted by the volunteers.

Back at the school, the younger competitors, waiting to cheer on their family members finishing the 5K and partake in the upcoming 1 Mile Fun Run, were taking advantage of the fun activities going on, jumping on the moon bounce and getting their faces painted. 

As the 5K runners made their final climb to the finish, fatigued from all their hard efforts, they were cheered loudly by the enthusiastic spectators. Nick Barkley, 24, took first place for the males in 17:52 while Nicole Sackner, 36, took first place for the females in 21:50.

Toward the end of the 5K, the slow drizzle had turned into a steady rain. More than 70 competitors, with the youngest at 2, braved the weather and lined up for the start of the 1 Mile Fun Run. While the rain may have dampened their clothes, it did nothing to dampen their spirits. One by one, each of the young competitors came through the finish chute, all smiles, proud of their accomplishments, some coming in side-by-side and joining hands with the rest of their family. Ryan Elliott, 7, took first place overall in 7:24 while Ava Cickavage, 8, took second overall and first for the females in 7:32.

Following the races, it was time to celebrate at the post-race party and replenish all those burnt calories, with sandwiches donated by , paninis and desserts donated by Bacio Catering Marketplace in Moorestown, fruit and water donated by  Cinnaminson, and drinks donated by Starbucks in Delran. 

At the awards ceremony, a variety of prizes were given to overall winners and age group winners for both the 5K and 1 Mile events. These prizes included medals, coolers, T-shirts, free sub and mini-meal cards donated from Jersey Mike’s Subs, gift certificates donated by Moorestown Running Company, Professional Fitness in Delran, Philly Pretzel Factory in Moorestown, Carl’s Shoes in Moorestown, and 1-month free memberships donated by Giant Fitness in Delran. 

All in all, it was a fun morning enjoyed by everyone, from the serious runners, to the recreational exercisers, to those just looking to come out and have a good time with their family.  By the time that the event had concluded, the steady rain had turned into an all-out downpour, providing all those who attended with one final race to complete before heading home: the 40-yard dash to their cars!

Additionally, all kids aged 14 and under that participated received a custom medal for their achievements. Following the awards ceremony, the bib number raffle provided one last opportunity for the competitors to snag a prize.

5K Leaderboard - Male

• Nick Barkley, 24, 17:52
• Walt Zimmerman, 33, 20:01
• Tom Stilley, 50, 20:32

5K Leaderboard - Female

• Nicole Sackner, 36, 21:50
• Genevieve Cickavage, 15, 22:11
• K.C. Phillips, 56, 23:13

1 Mile Leaderboard - Male

• Ryan Elliott, 7, 7:24
• Colin Elliott, 9, 8:09.2
• Matthew Drinkard, 9, 8:09.5

1 Mile Leaderboard - Female

• Ava Cickavage, 8, 7:32.1
• Olivia Elliott, 7, 7:32.4
• Annemarie Donachie, 10, 9:12

Full results for the St. Charles Rock ‘n’ Roll Run Back to School event can be found here.

Message from the Race Director

Thanks to all of our volunteers, competitors, spectators, contributors, and donators of food/prizes with special thanks to DJ Tom Wheeler for providing the music, James Brown (JB Sports Timing LLC) for providing the timing services, Kevin O’Neill from Party Land for providing the balloon arch at the start / finish line, the Fynan family (Bridget, Maggie, and Tricia) for providing the face painting, and Coach Mike Ricci and the Mount Laurel Striders team for their participation in our event.

Also, special thanks to our sponsors for their monetary donations supporting our event: Financial Planning Services, Inc. – Theodore Massaro, CLU, AEP ( Marlton), C.P.I., Charles Barley (Cinnaminson), Edge Dance Center (Cinnaminson), Party Land (Delran), Robin’s Nest Restaurant (Mt. Holly), Snover / Givnish Funeral Home (Cinnaminson), Throwbacks Bar and Grill (Delran), Wood Plumbing (Cinnaminson), Zook Dinon PA (Moorestown), Smoothie King (Cinnaminson), and Dr. Eric Bantz (Medford).

We will be looking to make several improvements for next year and hope that the event will continue to grow. We hope that you will be able to join in the fun next year!