FHS @ the Garden State 10-Miler & Cookie Chase 5k

Written by: Reese Van Beveren

On March 22, the Garden State 10 Miler was held at Colonial Park in Franklin Township, where runners had a blast completing the race in the beautiful weather. The GS10 allows runners to compete in the Cookie Chase 5k, the 10 miler, and the Youth Fun Run. Participants can even compete in both events to earn the finisher medal and the challenge medal. From what started in 2017 as a fun race, the Garden State 10 Miler is now known as the fastest 10 miler in the tri-state area. The current record for the 10-miler is 48:41.89 for men, and 59:54.10 for women. The Garden State 10-Miler and Cookie Chase 5k fund need-based scholarships for graduating seniors at Franklin High School, so the GSTC (The Garden State Track Club) loves to see people come out and challenge themselves for a good cause. The cost to enter in the 10-miler can range from $40-$55, while the cost for the Cookie Chase falls between $25-$40. 

Map of this year's Cookie Run 5k course.

Sitting at 3.1 miles, the Cookie Chase 5k is significantly shorter than the 10-miler, making it great for people young and old who would prefer a shorter distance and still want to have fun! The course follows an almost perfect loop around the area of Colonial Park, but the finish line falls a short way behind the starting line. The Cookie Chase earns its name because participants earn a cookie for completing the race other than a traditional medal. The event is presented by Insomnia Cookies, and Blue Sheep Bake Shop sponsored the race in 2026. Participants can also receive a medal for being an age-group leader. The event also features a costume contest where the top three best costumes win a prize of $100 to Roadrunner Sports. The winners were chosen based on the creativity and originality of the costume.

Map of this year's 10-Miler course.

The 10-miler, the main event, takes place almost directly after the Cookie Chase finishes. The

course nearly follows the shape of a Figure 8, and takes runners around Franklin as far as Canal Walk and Amwell Road. Throughout both of the running events, there are water stations where the FHS JROTC cadets hand out cups of water to runners. The top male and female finishers receive $150 in prize money, with second and third getting $100 and $75, respectively. There are medals for age group winners as well, and all participants receive a medal for finishing the race.

Not only did FHS cadets in the JROTC contribute to the event by volunteering, multiple cadets ran in one of the events! In fact, FHS’ very own First Sergeant Cando received a medal for winning in his age group! The GS10 is very important to FHS because they focus their funds on providing need-based scholarships, specifically to students at FHS. Since 2017, the race has donated over $35,000 to charity, and is still providing scholarships to eligible students. Next year, if you’re interested in running the race, register as soon as possible to be one of the first 800 lucky registrants to receive a free shirt. Whether it is to challenge yourself and do something you’ve never done before, or if you just enjoy any kind of running, it will be for a good cause!