Sweating, Running—But Then—Partying with Purpose

No rain, humidity or heat could keep Scott Delea from successfully hosting what he calls his organization's "marquee event" on Tuesday, as Party with Purpose hosted its sixth annual 5K race. 

Delea said he spent the day as an "amature meteorologist" to try to predict when and if rain would fall, and if Pier A Park would stay dry. . 

But although the humidity in the air covered the runners in sweat, mother nature spared Hoboken any more rain. 

Delea said he could not give an estimate of how much money was raised on Tuesday, because he needed to calculate the expenses of the event. The bigger the event, he said, the more money it costs the organization. The first 5K, six years ago, attracted 300 runners. Tuesday evening, roughly five times as many people participated in the race. 

Between 1200 and 1500 runners crowded the pier around 6 p.m., ready to sweat for a good cause. After a short motivational speech from Delea and the national anthem, the runners kicked off the race around 7 p.m. 

Frank Sinatra Drive was blocked for the runners, who ended their run at the finish line on Pier A, where they were greeted with bottled water and bananas. 

Doug Smith, 19, from Roxbury won the race, running the 5K in 15 minutes and 35 seconds. He said he is part of the track & field and cross country running teams at Arizona State University. 

And while Smith said he was aware the run was for charity, when it comes down to it he just wanted to win. 

"You run to run," he said. "My legs are going to be very sore tomorrow."

Among the runners was Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano, who said he finished the 5K in a 37 minutes and 30 seconds. "I'm happy I paced myself," Romano said.

"It's a great cause," Romano said about the event. Party with Purpose's proceeds go to the Jubilee Center and the Hoboken Boys and Girls Club. 

The event, Delea said, takes about a year to fully plan. "There are about 100 people volunteering to pull this day off," he said. 

After the runners got their waters, granola bars, applause and bananas, it was time to attend the after party at a beergarten at Fourth Street and Sinatra Drive. 

And while most runners were happy to go grab that much deserved, ice cold beer, feeling the joy of organizing the annual event would have to wait for Delea, who had to wait for the stress to subside. 

"That'll happen later," Delea said, "the satisfaction of feeling like you're making a difference."