Take a 'Frantic Run' Through a Historic Farm

Residents have the unique opportunity for the second year in a row to run a 5K through on Tuesday.

Morris Township's historical farm, operated by the Morris County Park Commission, is holding its second annual Frantic Fun Run where participants can run or walk 3.1 miles through the 19th century style farm. The event starts at 7 p.m.

Brielle George, one of the event organizers, said this is a rare opportunity for participants because they will be able to see sites that they may not normally encounter while visiting the farm.

"While you are doing this challenging 5K it's nice because you're taking in all the sites of the animals and historic barnyard and the Gothic Revival Mansion," she said. "It's just quite picturesque and it's different because people don't have the opportunity to run through this facility."

George said participants will pass by horses, the pasture, lambs, sheep and cows and their baby calves while running the entire course on the farm.

George said as of Monday, 126 people have pre-registered, but she's hoping to get between 200 and 250 on race day. The race brought in 259 runners last year, and raised about $4,000.

While organizers don't have a specific goal to raise this year, George said the main incentive for the race is to provide people with a new experience.

"We do it to give a new outlook on what the Morris County Park Commission has to offer," she said.

The money raised will go toward future recreational programming, such as the commission's next 5K in April called Tackle the Trail.

All age groups and abilities are invited to participate. George said that registrants so far range from ages 8 to 76 and from as far as California.

After the 5K there will be a post-race party that will include DJ entertainment, food, and raffle prizes. Some of these prizes include Red Star sunglasses, and gift certificates to Sunrise Lake Beach Club, Mennen Arena and at golf courses operated by the Morris County Park Commission.

Awards will be given to the top-three overall male and female finishers, and the top three male and female winners for each age group.

Custom T-shirts will be provided for first 250 registered participants.

Although pre-registration is closed, participants can register at the race from 5 to 6:45 p.m. The cost is $25.

For more information about the Frantic Fun Run, visit the Morris County Park Commission website.