Feb. 1, 2007 – The annual Women's Jogger Jam will be celebrating its 25th anniversary when the ladies take to the pavement on Sunday, Feb. 11. Organizer Therese Hodge says this silver anniversary year she's expecting a huge crowd to run, leap, jump, jog, walk, or, if need be, crawl to the finish line.
The two-mile race, which raises money for the Family Resource Center, begins at 5 p.m. at the Fruit Bowl in Wheatley Center and ends there, after running twice around the Schneider Regional Medical Center, past Lockhart Elementary School and back to the Fruit Bowl. After the race, there will be prizes, music, the welcome arms of well-wishers, fresh fruit and water, lots of water.
Hodge said this week that one reason for this year's early date, aside from the fact that February is cooler, is that the whole Goldberg family can be here to participate.
Marty and Carol Goldberg opened the Fruit Bowl, which is now run by their son, David, in 1975. They have sponsored the Jogger Jam for the past 23 years, and according to Hodge, wouldn't miss the event, which is run in conjunction with the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners (STAR).
"They are really excited about raising more money this year," Hodge said. The Fruit Bowl traditionally contributes $5 for each runner who crosses the finish line. "I say we are looking to 400 runners this year; Marty says he wants 500," Hodge said.
Hodge had words of praise for the Goldbergs: "They have been our sponsors for so long … For a small business, this speaks volumes about their commitment to the community."
She added, "They kind of stay in the background. Marty will give out trophies, but they just like to watch the whole event blossom. They stand and watch everybody from the little kids on up. Marty says they like to watch the smiles on the faces of the runners as they cross the finish line." She laughs, "Corny as that sounds, that's what they tell me, and it's true."
Hodge should know. She has organized the races for the past eight years or so and has taught physical education at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School for the past 26 years.
"It sounds like such a long time, but…..that's it," Hodge said. The tall, rangy Hodge is a familiar figure at almost all the islands' races. She is a STAR stalwart.
She also praised another island group that makes the many races possible. "We couldn't do the races without the Civil Air Patrol," she said. "Major Clarence Hansby has those kids so well trained – it's wonderful to see." The youngsters act as traffic cops on intersections and pass out cups of water along the way.
"St. Thomas Rescue will be on hand, in case we have any problems," Hodge said.
Each year a group is honored, and groups are signing up now. Needless to say, Hodge always gets a good showing from Cancryn.
Awards will be handed out to top three finishers in nine different age groups ranging from 7 to 70 and over.
A team challenge trophy will be given out to the group with the most participants.
The early registration fee, until Feb. 10, is $6 for adults, $5 for STAR members and $3 for those 18 and under. Registering on race day will cost $10.
Registration forms are available at the Fruit Bowl, the Caribbean Surf Co. at Havensight or Royal Dane Mall, GNC Endurance Sports and Antilles School Jackson Complex Wellness Center. For more information, call 775-6373.
