Summit Area YMCA Love and Legacy 5K Draws Record 500-Plus Runners in Support of LIVESTRONG Program

SUMMIT, NJ — The sun was out, the coffee was hot, and the Summit Green was buzzing with energy Sunday morning as more than 500 runners, walkers, stroller-pushers and four-legged participants turned out for the Summit Area YMCA's annual Love and Legacy 5K — a record-breaking turnout for a race that means far more than a finish time.From seasoned runners to first-timers, neighbors greeted neighbors, colleagues caught up, and community members gathered in the kind of effortless togetherness that only happens when a cause is bigger than the event itself. Mayor Elizabeth Fagan was among those who laced up, taking on the course alongside her Labrador — one of many canine companions that made the morning feel as much like a neighborhood celebration as a race."Seeing the community come together like this is so incredibly powerful," said Tiffany Escott, Executive Director of the Summit Area YMCA. "Every step you took this morning has a real impact."That impact is direct and tangible. Proceeds from the Love and Legacy 5K benefit the YMCA's LIVESTRONG program — a free offering that pairs cancer survivors with certified trainers to help them rebuild strength, confidence and connection after treatment."If you have a loved one with cancer or recovering from cancer, please have them stop by the Y," Escott said. "We can let them know about the opportunities available for them — for free."Team MateoAmong the most moving moments of the morning was the recognition of Team Mateo, an 80-person contingent running and walking in memory of Mateo Kauffman Sandler. The team drew a warm round of applause as Mateo's family took the microphone to address the crowd."Mateo loved bringing people together, so I know that he's smiling down upon us," his father said. "We miss Mateo every day, but we don't have to look far to see and feel him with us — we see him in the love his friends and family have so beautifully shown us."The YMCA also recognized a 26-person group running in memory of former YMCA member Jo-Ann Feeney.By the NumbersOverall winners on the morning were Liam Stewart, 29, of Summit, who took first among men with a chip time of 16:45.51, and Una Pohl, 20, also of Summit, who topped the women's field in 21:47.95. Age group winners spanned from the under-9 division — won by A. Romano and S. Dunnen — all the way to the upper age brackets, where Thomas Ferguson of Morristown claimed top honors in the 70-and-over category and Barbara Colrick of Short Hills took the 79-and-over crown.A kids dash capped the morning's festivities, with young runners gathering near the Summit Green circle for their own moment in the spotlight.Sponsors and SupportThe event was made possible through the generosity of numerous sponsors. Title sponsor Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty handled race awards. Gold sponsors included Atlantic Health, DeFabio Chiropractic Spine and Sports Rehab, Sunshine Services, Keep Good Company Records, Pitta & Baione LLP, Aubrey's Corner, the Douglas Family, and Rosen Kelly Conway Architecture and Design. Silver sponsors were Lois Schneider Realtor, Neelam Indian Cuisine, Town Deli, Summit Place Financial Advisors, and Fleet Feet. Bronze sponsors included Ivy Rehab, The Office Tavern & Grill, Pure Pilates, Barths Market, and New York Life.More Than a RaceBeyond the timed miles and age group plaques, Sunday felt like something rarer — a genuine community exhale. Baby strollers rolled alongside serious runners. Dogs trotted next to their owners. Teams wore matching shirts bearing the names of people they loved and lost."People day," one attendee summed up simply. "Whether you're running or cheering or doing anything to support everybody, it's a meaningful day."The Summit Area YMCA offers programs year-round in group fitness, swimming, teen programming, youth enrichment and pickleball. For more information on the LIVESTRONG program or other offerings, visit the Summit Area YMCA website or stop by in person.