Inaugural Running aHEAD of Cancer 5k a success at Hill Creek Farms

By: Jennifer Hoffman

The birds were chirping, the sun was shining and the runners were ready to take on HEADstrong’s first annual Running aHEAD of Cancer 5k at Hill Creek Farms.

Hundreds  took part in the event, which was truly more than just a 3 mile run but a way for the community to come out and support a local family affected by cancer. The Barr family from Woolwich Township (formerly from Delaware County) was the sole benefactor from the event. HEADstrong President Cheryl Colleluori presented Michelle financial assistance to help alleviate some of the financial hardships that she has endured while she undergoes treatment for breast cancer. 

“ I am so thankful for this event and for HEADstrong. Everything that they do is amazing and my family is so grateful for them” remarked Michelle Barr. 

This event marked the inaugural South Jersey event for the HEADstrong Foundation and it couldn’t have been at a better location. Hill Creek Farms provided an aesthetic route for runners to pass through as the course took them throughout the apple orchards and around the barn. Once the race concluded participants were able to shop for fall goodies including Hill Creek’s famous apple cider and cider donuts. 

“We at Hill Creek Farms felt very honored to participate and help in the way we were asked by Mike Colleluori on September 7th. Not always having the time personally to manage and operate such a dynamic organization myself, it prides us to support the work of such great Organizations as the Colleluori Family has done with Headstrong. Our part was easy, but the work that Headstrong does to help other is everyday and to see the love and participation by the community was truly amazing” stated Hill Creek Farms President, Fred Sorbello.

Coming in first place overall for the men was Scott Hall.Brook Vogel finished first overall for the females. The top winners from each age bracket were given some HEADstrong swag as well as a giftcard to the Mullica Hill Running Company. 

We would like to thank each of our sponsors, without you this event would not have been possible. Inspira Health, Martin’s Speciality Sausage, Hint Water, Spirit Dodge, Chrysler & Jeep, Napoli Construction, Raynor Services, Mav & Co and Steamfitters Local 420, we are so grateful for their support of HEADstrong’s mission. 

One of our sponsors, Martin’s Specialty Sausage knows firsthand how hard a cancer diagnosis can be. Martin’s wife is a lymphoma survivor, “Anything that has to do with cancer and helping people affected by the disease, my family is all for. Anything to give back and help others going through it, we’re all in” said Martin. He and his two daughters Gabrielle and Victoria took part in the 5k, and Victoria was the top female finisher for her age bracket. 

The event raised $15,000 for HEADstrong. We look forward to seeing you at the farm for next year’s event.