Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge: More than 4,000 runners participate to support school for the disabled

More than a record 4,000 runners and walkers participated in yesterday’s Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge, presented by AmeriHealth New Jersey.

The 10K race – the largest in the tri-state area – benefits the Larc School, which serves individuals with moderate to severe disabilities throughout South Jersey. All proceeds from today’s race, estimated to be a record $400,000, go directly to the Larc School.

Alene Reta, 27, of New York City, captured first place in the 10K run, with a time of 30 minutes. Alemtsehay Misganaw, 29, of New York City, led the women’s division, coming in at 34 minutes and 42 seconds. These two runners led the way across the Ben Franklin Bridge to Philadelphia, then back toward the Camden waterfront where runners were treated to picturesque Delaware River sites, including the Adventure Aquarium, Susquehanna Bank Center, Battleship New Jersey and ending the race in Campbell’s Stadium.

In the male division, 8 seconds behind Reta, was Abraham Ng’etich, 28, of Mt. Vernon, NY. Second place finisher in the female division was Salome Kosgey of Sleepy Hollow, NY with a time 12 seconds behind Misganaw.

"Cooper University Hospital is a proud supporter of the Larc School and the remarkable difference they make in the lives of their students and families," said George E. Norcross, III, Chairman of the Board at Cooper. "This school gives these children a better life, and a better foundation to succeed."

"AmeriHealth New Jersey is proud to support this great event for the seventh consecutive year, and to be associated with the hundreds of volunteers and the thousands of runners and walkers willing to take on the bridge to help disabled students in our area," said Judith L. Roman, president and CEO of AmeriHealth, the presenting sponsor. "AmeriHealth has seen first-hand the difference this event makes in the lives of the wonderful children and their families at the Larc School."

Prior to the race, Governor Jon Corzine urged participants to, “Run the bridge, run for Larc!” Proceeds from this year's race were expected to be at an all-time high because of the record-breaking number of participants and the strong support of the race’s corporate partners.

Pre-race contests

In an AmeriHealth-sponsored contest held in conjunction with this year’s race, John Wilson of Cherry Hill, NJ won first prize in the first “AmeriHealth Wellness Award,” given to the race participant with the most inspiring personal wellness story. Second place went to Mary Lockard of Plymouth Meeting, PA.

Meanwhile, winner of the first “How Cooper Changed My Life,” contest, sponsored by Cooper University Hospital, was Beth Fisher of Medford, NJ. Claudine Colgan, a Larc parent from Mantua, NJ, came in second place.

Larc School, a non-profit organization located in Bellmawr, NJ, provides educational, therapeutic and recreational services to over 120 individuals with severe disabilities from pre-school to adult. For over 40 years, Larc School has provided service to its students and their families throughout South Jersey. To learn more about Larc School, go to www.larcschool.org.