Thorne race a winner for runners, relatives
Fallen firefighter recalled
in event held to raise
money for scholarships
By Sherry conohan
Staff Writer

CHRIS KELLY Hundreds of racers participated in the Michael Thorne Scholarship 4-mile run on Saturday.

WEST LONG BRANCH — Geoffrey Evarts and his wife, Jill, of Middletown turned the winner’s circle in inaugural Michael W. Thorne Scholarship 4-Mile Run into a family gathering.

Geoffrey Evarts won the race in 22:30.8 and Jill Evarts was the first female finisher, and sixth overall, with a time of 24:43.5.

"I’m very excited," Geoffrey Evarts said as he was catching his breath after crossing the finish line.

He said the win was particularly meaningful because he knew Michael Thorne at Shore Regional High School here and played football with him. Thorne was a lineman and Evarts was a wide receiver, he recalled.

"Michael was two years ahead of me," Geoffrey Evarts said. "My brother, Chris, was in his class," which was the class of 1982.

Geoffrey Evarts, who grew up in West Long Branch, was graduated in 1984. He also ran track in high school and college and regarded the Thorne race as an ideal tune-up for the upcoming J. P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge on June 3.

As he spoke, his wife crossed the finish line and joined him.

"You won?" he asked upon hearing the news. "That’s great!"

Jill Evarts, a 1983 graduate of Raritan High School, also ran track in school and said her best time ever in a 5K race — a distance of 3.1 miles — was 16:56, which she posted while at Rutgers University.

The Evarts, both of whom are 37, ran in the 35 to 39 age category. Geoffrey ran at a 5:30-mile pace, while Jill ran at a 6:11-mile pace.

Geoffrey Evarts father, Prescott, 65, of West Long Branch, also ran in the Thorne race — in the 65 to 69 category — and finished in 39:40.7 at 144th overall. He ran at a 9:55-mile pace and finished first in his age group.

A festive atmosphere prevailed at Franklin Lake Park where the race began and ended and the organizers were jubilant at the turnout of runners.

"We had 286 runners and walkers and we turned people away because the race had to start right at 9 o’clock. There were 20 still waiting on line to register," exclaimed Mindy Brady, spokesman for the organizers and the Thorne family. "That’s unbelievable. We thought we would only get 100.

"We are absolutely thrilled," she said.

Brady said many of those who arrived too late to officially enter the race still turned over their $20 for the entry fee at the registration tables for the scholarship. It is named for Michael W. Thorne, a volunteer fireman in the borough who died at the age of 20 on July 3, 1984, when he fell down an elevator shaft while fighting a fire at Monmouth University. The scholarships are given to students at Shore Regional High School during the annual awards ceremony.

The first ever Thorne 4-Mile Run took place on a crisp morning under clear blue skies. The clouds didn’t begin rolling in until it was over.

"The 60-degree weather is just great," said Councilman William R. Deisinger, who was a bystander. "It’s a wonderful cause and a great day. It’s a wonderful day for a wonderful family."

Thorne’s mother, Lynn, helped where she could with registration.

"I’m just so excited," she said during a break. "Everybody has come out with such support. I’m overwhelmed — all these volunteers."

Thorne noted that all four of her daughters had turned out for the event and said they were going to enjoy a delayed Mother’s Day celebration afterward.

"I have four daughters and only one son," she said.

One of her daughters, Nancy Thorne Parnell, 44, of Long Branch, was among the runners. She wore bib No. 1 and finished first in her age group and 37th overall with a time of 29:31.1.

Another daughter, Patty Zimmermann, of West Long Branch ran the kids race that followed.

Daughter Mary Lee Thorne came from Staten Island and joined the walkers in the race while daughter, Susan Daigle, traveled from Egg Harbor Township.

"We’re hoping this will become an annual event, and with all the support, I think it can," Lynne Thorne said, noting it was for a good cause — scholarships.

"It will keep Michael in everyone’s memories," she added. "I don’t want him forgotten."