Soggy Law Day Run raises funds for Burnley, remembers event’s longtime organizer Ed Krawitz

Annual event raises funds for Burnley, remembers race’s longtime organizer

REPOSTED from POCONO RECORD
Posted May 1, 2016 by Lynn Ondrusek – Pocono Record Writer

Matthew Martino, all orange, leads just after the start of the Law Day Five Mile Run in Stroudsburg on Sunday. Martino went on to win the race in 27 minutes, 15 seconds. For photo gallery from the event, go to: poconorecod.com. (Lynn Ondrusek/Pocono Record)

Ed Krawitz organized the annual Law Day Race in Stroudsburg for 33 years.

This year, the race was run in his memory, said his son, Steve Krawitz.

“He ran this race every year,” said race organizer Elizabeth Field.

The 34th annual race was held Sunday morning with a field of about 50 runners, who braved the less than ideal running conditions to raise money for the Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Services in Stroudsburg. Ed Krawtiz was one of the founding members of the workshop.

The workshop helps adults with disabilities to gain skills for employment in the work force.

Ed Krawitz died within the past year and Steve Krawitz said they rebranded the race for that reason. Steve said he had other avid runners and community members in his thoughts during the race as well.

The 5-mile race traveled up Dreher Avenue, went through Glenbrook Golf Course and back down Dreher. Matthew Martino was the overall winner with a time of 27:15 while Lara Arndt won the women’s race in 35:54.

Mitchell Wescott, 11, was the first finisher of the 5K fun run/walk. The race also brought out one four-legged runner, Simba, with his owner Nicole Cegelka.

Field said the race will usually see a higher turnout when the weather is better. This was the first year in a few years that it rained, she said.

Bill McCabe, chairman of the advisory board for Burnley, said he is grateful for the runners who came out to help support the center.

“Every dollar that is raised really means a lot,” he said.

The race is a part of Law Day celebrations by the Monroe County Bar Association. On Friday, the bar held fairytale trials with kids and a ceremony, Field said.

Law Day recognizes the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and was first observed in 1958, according to the American Bar Association’s website. In 1961, Congress issues a resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day.