On a hot and sticky summer evening, the streets of Millburn transformed into a celebration of sweat, spirit, and small-town unity. The 44th Annual President’s Cup 5K Race, held Monday, June 23, 2025, was more than just a footrace—it was a glowing testament to the power of community.
Hosted by the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce, this beloved tradition welcomed over 800 runners and their families to town. From the littlest dashers in the Kids’ Fun Run at 7:30 PM to the seasoned racers at the 8 PM 5K start, the event radiated energy, joy, and a shared commitment to making memories.
“It takes a village to host a town-wide event for over 800 runners,” said Ana Meyer, Chamber President. “This race is a shining example of what happens when volunteers, our town, and our sponsors come together to create something special .”
And what a village it was.
From the Millburn Police, DPW, EMTs and Fire Department, to the Mayor, residents, and board members—everyone played a role. Mayor Romano, joined Ana Meyer to welcome everyone at the starting line. “This race is Millburn,” she said. “It’s not just a run, it’s our heartbeat. I’ve watched my children race, and I’ve run water stations with Girl Scouts.”
Volunteers made it magical. Board members Julia Cheng, (evivespas.com), Elvira Chaus (New York Life) John and Ana Meyer (Chatham + Short Hills City Lifestyle), along with their families, worked all night long. Samir Patel, (bluecodenetworks.com), helped oversee the beer garden and was among the last to leave, helping pack up well after the music faded.
Heartfelt commitment pulsed through every street corner. Signature Realty Short Hills volunteers served over 800 slices of pizza, while the Millburn Short Hills Chinese Association was first to arrive at the volunteer table, and the Muslim Association of Millburn Short Hills stepped in with their signature hospitality and care.
“The energy from the runners is infectious,” said longtime race supporter Gary of Peerless Beverage, who shared, “I see the same faces every year—for 20 years! These runners don’t just come for the race, they come for the experience.”
This year’s race introduced thoughtful new touches, hosting the relayproject.org, a nonprofit organization that collects gently used sneakers and donates them to charity and Millburn-Short Hills Chamber volunteer hour certificates for high school students, encouraging the next generation to give back.
As the sun set, Municipal Lot 19 lit up with an after-party—music, pizza, a beer garden, vendors, product samples, giveaways, and a crowd of runners beaming with accomplishment.
Even the medals told a story. Designed to honor Millburn’s signature town clock, they were a symbol of time well spent and tradition carried forward. The kids’ fun run was a crowd favorite—tiny legs sprinting with delight, each child rewarded with a medal and a memory to last a lifetime.
A profound thank you goes to every sponsor, especially Platinum Sponsor Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, for elevating this event with their generous support.
“I encourage everyone to volunteer. The energy is infectious — it’s not just a race, it’s a celebration of our community. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors, to the Township and the Chamber, and to you, Ana, for doing an outstanding job organizing this year’s race”, shared Mayor Romano.
As Ana Meyer reflected: “If you could see this race through my eyes, you’d see true care for our community. Every volunteer, every cheer, every detail—it all added up to a night where guests felt welcomed, and had a great time.”
Until next year—ready, set, go Millburn!