The Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) hosted its inaugural Complete the Loop 5K on May 2 in Rosedale Park, welcoming more than 300 runners and walkers for a successful first-time event on the Trail. Participants of all ages gathered to enjoy a scenic course and a strong sense of community. Proceeds from the event support the Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s ongoing work to complete the 20-mile multi-use trail loop connecting Lawrence and Hopewell Townships.
Hopewell Township Mayor David Chait welcomed runners, walkers, and volunteers, noting the beauty of the setting and the value of outdoor recreation for everyone. On the organization of the 5K and the ongoing work of the LHT staff and volunteers, the Mayor stated “these people work hard”.
The start and finish area at Rosedale Park was filled with activity throughout the morning, with participants and spectators enjoying refreshments, music, and community. DJ ItsJustAhmad kept the music going, while attendees connected with community partners including Fleet Feet Princeton, Circuit Trails, Clinical Research Philadelphia, Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County, Fluid Physio, and local Scouts. Before the race Fluid Physio led participants through an energetic warm-up.
“The Complete the Loop 5K was a wonderful celebration of our community and the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. It was amazing to see such strong support at the start line! Thanks to all board members, volunteers, and participants who supported creating this great asset.” said Uma Purandare, Deputy Mayor of Hopewell Township and LHT Board Member.
The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Pathfinder sponsors Bristol Myers Squibb and Bov Foundation and Adventurer sponsors NJM Insurance Group, Fleet Feet Princeton, and Clinical Research Philadelphia. The Mercer County Parks Commission provided outstanding support, ensuring the whole trail was ready for use by all participants.
Participants enjoyed post-race refreshments thanks to community partners. Bagels were provided by Udo’s Bagels, fruit was donated by Trader Joe’s and Wegmans, and Pennington Market provided water and cups for the halfway water station.
“I’m just very pleased that everything worked out so well,” said Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation Board Chair David Sandahl. “We are seeking more ways to engage and serve our community, and I could not be more proud of our staff and the volunteers who made our first 5K run and walk so successful.”
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail extends a special thanks to the many volunteers who contributed their time and effort to make the event run smoothly.
Top finishers were recognized across overall and age group categories:
Overall Winners
Female:
1st Place – Sarah Graham
2nd Place – Alix Fellman
3rd Place – Kelly Krolik
Male:
1st Place – Andrew MacLane
2nd Place – Zachary Shrank
3rd Place – Brandon Garmise
Age Group Winners
Ages 8–13
Female – Addiena Richards
Male – Rhys Richards
Ages 14–18
Female – Cate Haggerty
Male – Jack Ferino
Ages 19–29
Female – Jade Clarkson
Male – Jacob Gray
Ages 30–39
Female – Gillian Robbins
Male – Max Tomlinson
Ages 40–49
Female – Denise Himmelheber
Male – Andrew Yearsley
Ages 50–64
Female – Dawn Waterworth
Male – David Wetzel
Ages 65+
Female – Cynthia Westbrook
Male – Bob Perkins
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail extends its sincere thank you to all runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who made this inaugural event such a success. See more event pics here.
The LHT is hosting the annual Full Moon Bike Ride on Saturday, September 26. Community members interested in supporting the Trail’s mission to complete the loop or helping make events like this possible can learn more and contribute at lhtrail.org/donate.
