Rock Trot Brings Thanksgiving Spirit to Hackettstown, NJ

The day before Thanksgiving proved to be the perfect setting for the annual Rock Trot in Hackettstown, NJ, where 265 runners laced up their shoes on November 27th, 2025, to burn off some calories before the big feast. This beloved community tradition combined athletic achievement with holiday spirit, creating an unforgettable morning of racing and camaraderie in Warren County.

A Perfect Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration

Hackettstown once again demonstrated why it's become a cherished destination for Thanksgiving weekend racing. The Rock Trot has established itself as a must-do event for local runners and visiting athletes alike, offering participants the chance to challenge themselves while celebrating the holiday season with fellow fitness enthusiasts. With nearly 300 participants gathering in the heart of Hackettstown NJ, the energy was electric from the opening gun.

The race drew an impressive field that showcased the growing popularity of pre-holiday racing events. With 148 female runners and 117 male runners crossing the finish line, the Rock Trot demonstrated strong appeal across all demographics, with women representing 56% of the finisher field—a trend we're seeing increasingly in community road races across New Jersey.

Elite Performance at the Front of the Pack

The men's race delivered thrilling competition from start to finish, with Jason Russack claiming victory in an impressive time of 18:34.12. Russack's commanding performance set the tone for what would be a competitive morning of racing, as he broke the tape well under the 19-minute mark—a benchmark that separates good runners from truly exceptional ones.

Hot on his heels, Lucas Venske secured second place with a strong 18:58.67, demonstrating the depth of talent in the field. The battle for third place saw Brett Hertzig round out the podium with a time of 19:03.28, just five seconds behind Venske. The tight finish between second and third place kept spectators on their toes and exemplified the competitive spirit that makes community racing so exciting.

These sub-19-minute and sub-20-minute performances speak volumes about both the quality of the field and the fast nature of the Rock Trot course. All three podium finishers demonstrated exceptional speed and endurance, providing inspiration for the hundreds of runners who followed in their footsteps.

Race Day Atmosphere and Conditions

The late November timing created ideal racing conditions in Hackettstown, with the crisp autumn air providing the perfect environment for fast times and personal records. Participants arrived with excitement and anticipation, many making the Rock Trot an annual tradition before gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving celebrations.

The community support throughout the course was remarkable, with local residents coming out to cheer on runners and creating an atmosphere that elevated every participant's experience. From the starting line through to the finish, the Rock Trot embodied everything that makes community road racing special—competition, achievement, and celebration all wrapped into one memorable event.

Community Impact and Participation

Beyond the impressive athletic performances at the front of the pack, the Rock Trot's true success lies in its ability to bring together 265 individuals of varying abilities and backgrounds, all united by a common goal. From competitive runners chasing personal records to families making memories together, the event welcomed everyone with open arms.

The strong female participation rate—with women comprising more than half of all finishers—reflects the inclusive and welcoming nature of the event. This gender balance speaks to the Rock Trot's appeal across the entire running community and demonstrates the race organizers' commitment to creating an event that resonates with all athletes.

Many participants used the Rock Trot as an opportunity to start a new Thanksgiving tradition, combining fitness with family and setting a healthy tone before the holiday festivities. The pre-Thanksgiving timing proved perfect for runners looking to earn their turkey dinner while connecting with their local running community.

Professional Race Timing Makes the Difference

Behind every successful race is a comprehensive race timing system that ensures accurate results and a smooth participant experience. Tristate Timing provided professional timing services for the Rock Trot, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to capture every runner's performance with precision and reliability.

Our professional timing equipment recorded chip times for all 265 finishers, ensuring that every participant received accurate splits and finish times. From the elite runners breaking the tape in under 19 minutes to the final finisher crossing the line, every performance was captured and validated with the same level of professional attention.

The integration with RunSignup results allowed participants to access their official times quickly and easily, share their accomplishments on social media, and review their performance metrics. This seamless technology creates a better experience for runners, race directors, and spectators alike.

Why Professional Timing Matters

For race directors and event organizers, partnering with an experienced timing company like Tristate Timing ensures that the competitive integrity of your event is maintained while providing participants with the professional experience they expect. Our comprehensive race timing services include:

• Accurate chip timing for all participants
• Real-time results accessible via RunSignup
• Professional timing equipment and experienced staff
• Reliable backup systems to ensure data integrity
• Customized timing solutions for events of all sizes

Whether you're organizing a small community 5K or a large-scale running festival, professional timing services provide the foundation for a successful event that participants will want to return to year after year.

Looking Ahead

The Rock Trot's success demonstrates the enduring appeal of community road racing and the importance of well-organized, professionally timed events. As we look toward the 2026 racing season, Tristate Timing remains committed to supporting race directors and event organizers throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Are you planning a race in Hackettstown NJ or the surrounding area? Contact Tristate Timing to learn how our professional race timing services can elevate your event and provide participants with an exceptional experience from registration through results.

To view complete results from the Rock Trot, including age group awards and detailed splits, visit the official RunSignup results page. Congratulations to all 265 finishers who made the 2025 Rock Trot a tremendous success, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the starting line next year!

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Tristate Timing is a professional race timing company serving New Jersey and the tri-state area. We provide comprehensive timing services for running events of all sizes, from local 5Ks to major marathons. Contact us today to discuss your race timing needs.