Mountainside Cop Trot Draws 170 Runners, Celebrates Community

The 24th annual Mountainside PAL Cop Trot took place Saturday, October 3, 2026, bringing together more than 170 registered participants for the 5K race and more than 40 children for the Tot Trot. The event at Deerfield School reflected the kind of community spirit and intergenerational participation that has defined the race for nearly a quarter-century.

Race Results and Winners

The children’s Tot Trot kicked off the morning at 8:30 a.m., followed by the main 5K race.

Matthew “Matt” Molski of Mountainside won the overall race with a chip time of 20:19, marking his second victory in three appearances. Todd Ghidaleson of Mountainside placed second with a time of 21:06. Douglas Sue of Short Hills finished third in 21:20.

Erika Doll of Mountainside placed fourth overall and first among female runners with a time of 21:31. Doll has a history with the Cop Trot—she ran it regularly from ages 8 through 11 before returning last year. She is now training for the New York City Marathon, which will be her third marathon.

Standout Achievement in the 75-and-Over Division

William “Bill” Gottdenker, 77, finished first in the men’s 75-and-over division with a time of 41:08. Edward Wright, 80, of Green Brook placed second in the same division with a time of 52:14.

Wright’s participation represents remarkable perseverance. He has represented the United States in triathlon and duathlon and qualified for a world championship in Abu Dhabi. He has also overcome cancer twice, a stroke, two hip replacements, and a stent. His presence at the Cop Trot reflects the resilience and commitment to fitness that characterizes the event’s participants across all ages.

Family Participation

Matt Molski ran with his wife Kristie and their 8-year-old son Jacob. Kristie stayed alongside Jacob on the course, and both recorded a chip time of 40:53. Jacob jogged the entire way, representing the kind of family engagement that makes the Cop Trot special.

For Kristie, this was her first Mountainside Cop Trot, continuing the family’s involvement in the community event.

Community Recognition

Event organizer Jeanie Ruban described the turnout as one of the event’s largest and credited the Mountainside Police Department, volunteer rescue squad, and fire department for their support in making the day successful.

Mayor Paul Mirabelli, who said he has helped kick off at least 15 Cop Trots over the years, described the gathering as reflecting the borough’s community spirit. His long involvement underscores how the event has become a fixture of Mountainside’s civic calendar.

Union County Life celebrates community events that bring neighbors together across ages and abilities.

FAQ

Q: What is the Mountainside PAL Cop Trot?

A: The Mountainside PAL Cop Trot is a 24-year-old community 5K race held annually in Mountainside. The event brings together runners of all ages and abilities, including a children’s Tot Trot program. It reflects the borough’s community spirit and engagement.

Q: How many people participated in this year’s Cop Trot?

A: The 24th annual Cop Trot on October 3, 2026, drew more than 170 registered participants for the 5K race and more than 40 children for the Tot Trot, making it one of the event’s largest turnouts.

Q: Who won the 2026 Cop Trot?

A: Matthew “Matt” Molski of Mountainside won the overall 5K race with a chip time of 20:19. This was his second victory in three appearances. Erika Doll of Mountainside won the women’s division (first place overall among female runners) with a time of 21:31 and is training for the New York City Marathon.

Q: Who is Edward Wright and why is he notable?

A: Edward Wright, 80, of Green Brook placed second in the men’s 75-and-over division with a time of 52:14. He has represented the United States in triathlon and duathlon and qualified for a world championship in Abu Dhabi. He has overcome cancer twice, a stroke, two hip replacements, and a stent, making his participation a testament to perseverance.

Q: Do families participate together in the Cop Trot?

A: Yes. Matt Molski ran with his wife Kristie and their 8-year-old son Jacob. Jacob jogged the entire way, and both Kristie and Jacob recorded a chip time of 40:53. This kind of intergenerational family participation is part of what makes the Cop Trot special.