Pompton Lakes 5K Run Delivers Thrilling Competition and Community Spirit

The streets of Pompton Lakes, NJ came alive on August 31st, 2025, as 254 determined runners gathered for the annual Pompton Lakes 5K Run. From seasoned competitors chasing personal records to first-time racers celebrating the joy of crossing a finish line, this beloved community event once again proved why it remains a highlight on the local racing calendar.

A Perfect Day for Racing in Pompton Lakes NJ

Runners couldn't have asked for better conditions as they lined up for the start of the Pompton Lakes 5K Run. The late summer morning offered ideal racing weather, with the course winding through the charming streets of this historic Bergen County community. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as participants completed their final warm-up strides, while spectators lined the route ready to cheer on friends, family, and complete strangers with equal enthusiasm.

The energy at the starting line was electric, with 134 male and 120 female runners representing a nearly perfect gender balance—a testament to the inclusive and welcoming nature of this community event. From young athletes to veteran runners, the diversity of participants reflected the broad appeal of the 5K distance, which continues to be America's most popular racing format.

Elite Performances Lead the Pack

The men's race delivered an exciting battle from gun to tape, with Efrain Gonzalez emerging victorious in an impressive time of 17:11.91. Gonzalez's sub-17:15 performance showcased the caliber of talent that the Pompton Lakes 5K Run attracts, demonstrating that this event draws serious competitors alongside recreational runners.

Hot on his heels was Ryan Scully, who crossed the finish line in 17:36.62, just 25 seconds behind the winner. Scully's performance proved that the men's race remained competitive throughout, giving spectators plenty to cheer about along the course. Rounding out the overall podium was Gepy Bernstein with a solid 19:05.78, breaking the 20-minute barrier and cementing his place among the day's top performers.

The depth of competition extended well beyond the podium, with numerous runners posting impressive times throughout the field. The race timing data captured every moment of these performances, ensuring that each participant received accurate splits and finish times to commemorate their achievement.

Community Spirit on Full Display

What truly sets the Pompton Lakes 5K Run apart isn't just the competitive racing at the front—it's the incredible community atmosphere that permeates the entire event. With 254 finishers, the streets were filled with runners of all abilities, each with their own personal goals and motivations.

The near-equal split between male and female participants (134 men and 120 women) reflects the event's broad appeal and welcoming environment. Whether pursuing a personal record, running for charity, or simply enjoying a morning of fitness with friends, every participant contributed to the vibrant energy that made this year's race memorable.

Local residents turned out in force to support the runners, with cheering sections stationed at key points along the course. The final stretch toward the finish line was particularly electric, as spectators encouraged runners to dig deep and finish strong. These moments of community connection are what transform a simple 5K into a cherished local tradition.

The Importance of Professional Race Timing

Behind every successful race is a sophisticated timing operation that ensures fair competition and accurate results. Tristate Timing provided professional race timing services for the Pompton Lakes 5K Run, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to capture precise finish times for all 254 participants.

Professional race timing serves multiple critical functions beyond simply recording finish times. Our systems provide:

• Accurate chip timing that records each runner's exact start-to-finish time
• Real-time results processing that allows participants to view their performance immediately after finishing
• Detailed age-group breakdowns that enable fair competition across all demographics
• Professional course management that ensures proper distance measurement and certification
• Split timing capabilities for tracking runner progress throughout the course

For race directors, professional timing services eliminate the stress and complexity of managing results manually. For participants, it ensures confidence that their hard-earned performances are recorded accurately and fairly. The partnership between race organizers and professional timing companies like Tristate Timing creates a seamless experience that allows everyone to focus on what matters most—the joy of running.

Viewing Complete RunSignup Results

All participants can access their complete race results, including official finish times, age-group placements, and overall rankings through RunSignup results. The comprehensive results platform allows runners to:

• Review their individual performance metrics
• Compare times with friends and competitors
• Track their improvement across multiple races
• Download and share race certificates
• Access historical race data

These detailed results become part of each runner's personal racing history, providing valuable data for training and goal-setting for future events.

Looking Ahead: Your Next Racing Adventure

The success of the Pompton Lakes 5K Run demonstrates the enduring appeal of community road races. Whether you're a competitive athlete seeking a fast course, a fitness enthusiast looking for motivation, or someone considering their first 5K, events like this offer something for everyone.

For race directors planning upcoming events, the importance of professional race timing cannot be overstated. Quality timing services ensure that your event runs smoothly, your participants receive accurate results, and your race builds a reputation for excellence that attracts runners year after year.

Are you ready to experience the thrill of race day? Whether you're planning to participate in an upcoming 5K or organizing your own community running event, Tristate Timing is here to support your racing goals. Our professional timing services ensure accurate results, smooth operations, and an outstanding experience for all participants.

Visit our website to learn more about upcoming races in New Jersey and beyond, or contact us to discuss professional timing services for your next event. Every race tells a story—let us help you write yours.

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Congratulations to all 254 finishers of the 2025 Pompton Lakes 5K Run! Your dedication to health, fitness, and community makes events like this possible. We'll see you at the next starting line.