Pink Witches 5K Brings Magic to Denville with Record Turnout

The autumn air was filled with excitement and a touch of enchantment as 557 runners descended upon Denville, NJ on September 28, 2025, for the Pink Witches 5K. This beloved community event proved once again why it's become a staple of the fall racing calendar, combining spirited competition with a cause-driven mission that resonates throughout Morris County and beyond.

A Spectacular Day for Racing

Perfect fall racing conditions greeted participants as they gathered at the starting line in Denville. The crisp morning air and vibrant autumn colors provided an ideal backdrop for what would become a memorable day of racing. The overwhelming turnout of 557 finishers demonstrated the event's growing popularity and the community's commitment to supporting this important cause.

What stood out immediately was the impressive gender representation, with 426 female runners leading the charge—a testament to the event's empowering atmosphere and welcoming environment. The 130 male participants added to the competitive field, creating an electric atmosphere that pushed everyone to perform their best.

Elite Performances Lead the Way

The race kicked off with blistering pace, and Vincent Puchik quickly established himself as the runner to beat. Puchik crossed the finish line in an impressive 17:38.45, claiming the overall victory with a performance that showcased both speed and tactical awareness on the Denville course.

In a remarkable display of athleticism, Jennifer Baggot secured second place overall with a time of 19:39.21, demonstrating the depth of talent in the women's field. Baggot's performance was nothing short of outstanding, finishing ahead of all but one competitor in the entire field and proving that the Pink Witches 5K attracts serious runners alongside recreational participants.

Rounding out the podium was Luke Toth, who finished just one second behind Baggot with a time of 19:40.84. The razor-thin margin between second and third place exemplified the competitive nature of the race and kept spectators on their feet as runners approached the finish line.

More Than Just a Race

While the top finishers garnered well-deserved attention, the true magic of the Pink Witches 5K lies in its community spirit. With 557 finishers representing various ages, abilities, and backgrounds, the event embodied the inclusive nature of running that continues to attract participants year after year.

The overwhelming participation of female runners—representing over 76% of the field—speaks volumes about the event's mission and its resonance within the community. This isn't just another 5K; it's a gathering of individuals united by purpose, determination, and a commitment to making a difference.

Many participants embraced the "witch" theme with creative costumes, tutus, and accessories, adding a festive atmosphere that distinguished this race from typical road racing events. The combination of serious athletic competition and lighthearted fun created an environment where personal records and pure enjoyment coexisted seamlessly.

The Importance of Professional Race Timing

An event of this magnitude requires precision and expertise to ensure every participant receives accurate results. That's where professional race timing services become essential. Tristate Timing provided comprehensive timing solutions for the Pink Witches 5K, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to capture every runner's performance with split-second accuracy.

From the moment runners crossed the starting line until they completed their 3.1-mile journey, sophisticated timing equipment tracked their progress. This professional race timing system ensured that whether you finished in 17 minutes or 57 minutes, your achievement was recorded precisely and made available through RunSignup results immediately following the race.

Professional timing services do more than just record finish times. They provide:

• Real-time results processing that allows participants and spectators to track progress throughout the event
• Accurate chip timing that records individual start and finish times for fair competition
• Comprehensive data management that prevents timing errors and disputes
• Age-graded results that recognize achievements across all demographics
• Post-race analysis that helps event organizers improve future races

For race directors, partnering with an experienced timing company like Tristate Timing means one less detail to worry about on race day. It allows organizers to focus on creating an exceptional participant experience while knowing the technical aspects are handled by professionals.

Community Impact and Looking Forward

The Pink Witches 5K represents more than athletic achievement; it's a community coming together for a meaningful cause. The impressive turnout in Denville, NJ demonstrates the event's growing influence and the community's commitment to supporting initiatives that make a difference.

Events like this strengthen community bonds, promote health and wellness, and introduce new participants to the sport of running. For many of the 557 finishers, crossing that finish line represented a personal victory—whether it was their first 5K, a return to racing after time away, or a step in their ongoing fitness journey.

Join the Movement

Whether you're a competitive runner chasing a podium finish or someone looking to participate in a supportive, community-focused event, races like the Pink Witches 5K offer something special for everyone. The combination of professional organization, accurate race timing, and an enthusiastic atmosphere creates an experience that keeps runners returning year after year.

Complete results from the Pink Witches 5K are available on RunSignup, where participants can view their official times, age-group placements, and compare their performances with fellow runners.

Are you planning a race event and need professional timing services? Tristate Timing brings years of experience and cutting-edge technology to races throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region. Our comprehensive timing solutions ensure your participants receive the accurate, reliable results they deserve while you focus on creating an unforgettable event experience.

Contact Tristate Timing today to learn how our professional race timing services can elevate your next event—whether it's a small community 5K or a large-scale running festival. Let's work together to create racing experiences that participants will remember and want to repeat year after year.

Congratulations to all 557 finishers of the 2025 Pink Witches 5K! Your dedication, spirit, and enthusiasm made this event truly magical.