Fanwood 5K Pizza Run Draws More Than 1,000; Scotch Plains Runner Wins
Maria Torres · Union County Life
According to the Borough of Fanwood's announcement on October 19, 2026.
Cool weather, a DJ playing music and the promise of free pizza at the finish line set the scene Sunday, Oct. 18, as more than 1,000 participants turned out for the Fanwood 5K Pizza Run and 1 mile Family Fun Run in Fanwood.
Eric Murphy, 38, of Scotch Plains won the 5K, finishing the USATF certified course in 18 minutes, 45.3 seconds, according to race results reported by TAPinto Scotch Plains/Fanwood. Robert Lynn was second in 18:53.6 and Ryan Cassidy was third in 19:07.8. Both also live in Scotch Plains, and neighbor Michael Lee added a 10th place finish in 20:22.
For Union County Life readers in Fanwood, Nathan Tout led the hometown runners, placing fourth in 19:44.6. Brian Devlin of Fanwood was sixth in 19:50.2, and Daniel Jablon of Fanwood was eighth in 19:57.8.
Two teenagers stood out in the field. Ved Mogaligundla, 14, of Scotch Plains took seventh in 19:53. Mika Snyder, 14, of Fanwood was the top female finisher, placing 29th overall in 22:33.3.
The Borough of Fanwood said 517 runners ran the 5K and 528 people joined the Family Fun Run, with registration up 26 percent over 2025. The Fun Run started at 11 a.m. and the 5K at 11:30 a.m. Both races began and ended at Borough Hall on North Martine Avenue.
Race Director Neil Pierce led the 5K Planning Committee, and Recreation Director Bob Budiansky and the Fanwood Recreation Commission ran the event. Proceeds support the borough's recreation programs, parks and facilities. Dozens of sponsors backed the race, and Fabio's Bistro and Nick's Pizza supplied the free pizza.
Neither the Borough nor TAPinto listed a phone number or email for questions, and neither recap mentions a date for next year's race. Runners can look up their own times in the official results.
Along North Martine Avenue, a crowd lined the street and cheered the runners on.
Find more Fanwood news, events and things to do on Union County Life.
Photo: Vincent Rivaud / Pexels
What to do
- When
- Held Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026; Family Fun Run at 11 a.m., 5K at 11:30 a.m.
- Where
- Fanwood Borough Hall, North Martine Avenue, Fanwood
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Fanwood 5K Pizza Run?
Eric Murphy, 38, of Scotch Plains won in 18:45.3, according to results reported by TAPinto. Mika Snyder, 14, of Fanwood was the top female finisher in 22:33.3.
Where does the Fanwood 5K Pizza Run start and finish?
Both the 5K and the 1 mile Family Fun Run began and ended at Fanwood Borough Hall on North Martine Avenue.
Can I still sign up for the Fanwood 5K Pizza Run?
No. The 2026 race was held Sunday, Oct. 18, and neither the Borough nor TAPinto has announced a date for next year.
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