IN THE NEWS: 200 run, walk in the Mount's Meghan Doyle '05K

CALDWELL – More than 200 people took part in the eighth annual MSDA Meghan Doyle ’05K on Saturday, May 14. It was held in person for the first time in three years.

The run/walk hosted by Mount St. Dominic Academy was held online during the coronavirus pandemic. This year, runners also had the option to participate virtually and post their time online.

The event raises money for the tuition assistance program at the independent girls Catholic school. It is named for Meghan Doyle, a member of the Class of 2005 who died after a brief and sudden illness in 2013 at age 26.

Mount students volunteered to assist with the 5K, said organizer Ginny Needham Doyle, Meghan’s mother. “It’s a great thing. But they’re also learning about their sisterhood and being a member of the community. It’s always a great day to see everybody come together.”

A Kids Fun Run, starting 30 minutes before the race, was added this year. It was split into two categories: for children ages 6-10 an those age 5 and younger.

The younger children ran about 30 yards. George Gummere, 5, won first place and said he felt like a “superstar.”

The older children ran a loop around the walkway leading to the Christ Chapel of Essex. Alice Sandor, 8, won first place for that age group.

Then runners lined up on Ashland Drive in front of Dominican Hall for the 9:30 a.m. start.

Meghan’s favorite teacher, Sister Peggy Ann Clinton, Order of Preachers, said an opening prayer. “When I am tempted to give up and start short of my goal, remind me that you are with me,” she said. “Help me to visualize myself at the end of my run, having achieved my goal.”

Ted Mussano, 40, of Wayne placed first with a time of 19:06.90. He said he felt good after finishing.

“I did this race twice now. It’s a good course. I got a better time than I did three years ago. My best time is under 17 minutes.”

Mussano runs every day for three to five miles and for an hour on weekends.

Tommy Wester, 36, of West Caldwell was second with a time of 20:46.6. Third place went to Lauren Bohrer with a time of 22:03.2, also making her the woman’s champion.

“It feels exhilarating,” she said. “It’s been a while since I ran a 5K. I used to do them when I was 5 until about 13 years old.

The race also had a stroller category. Any parent who wan the race while pushing their child in a stroller was awarded a prize.

Pat McDermott of Caldwell won after pushing his 3-year-old daughter, Maddie, and 1-year-old son, Timmy, in a double stroller.

“I’m relieved it’s over,” he said. “It was a good run and a good cause, I’m glad to have done it.”