Race Report: 10th Annual Hero 5K – Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ
- Andrew
- Nov 2
- 2 min read
The 10th Annual Hero 5K took place at Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ, on a brisk and beautiful fall morning. The event, celebrating its milestone tenth year, once again united runners, students, and community members in support of a meaningful cause — providing scholarship opportunities for student veterans. With clear skies, sunshine, and temperatures in the low 40s, runners were treated to perfect racing conditions, ideal for fast times and strong performances. The Hero 5K has become a local favorite for both its competitive spirit and its heartfelt mission, and this year’s edition lived up to its reputation.
The course wound through the Bergen Community College campus and surrounding roads, offering a mix of flat stretches and gentle inclines. Runners enjoyed crisp autumn air, bright sunshine, and plenty of crowd support from volunteers and spectators cheering along the route. The combination of cool temperatures and calm winds made it a near-perfect day for racing.
The men’s race was highlighted by a dominant performance from Joseph Henderson, who claimed the overall title in 17:27. Henderson broke away early and maintained a strong, consistent pace throughout, crossing the line well clear of the rest of the field. The battle for second place, however, provided plenty of excitement. Donny Santos held a commanding lead over Edgar Aguilar for most of the race, appearing comfortably in control heading into the final mile. But in the last quarter mile, Aguilar unleashed a ferocious finishing kick, closing rapidly on Santos as the finish line came into view. Despite the hard charge, Santos found just enough left in the tank to hold off Aguilar in the final strides, securing second place by a narrow margin. The thrilling duel between the two drew loud cheers from the finish-line crowd. The women’s race saw an equally impressive performance from Denisse Aguilar, who ran away from the competition to capture the female division title in 19:10 — an effort strong enough to place her 4th overall.
After the final runners crossed the line, participants gathered near the finish area for refreshments, music, and the awards ceremony. Organizers recognized top finishers in various age categories, but the spirit of the event went beyond competition — it was a celebration of service, resilience, and community. Proceeds from the race will go toward scholarship funds for student veterans at Bergen Community College, helping those who have served continue their educational journey. Race organizers, volunteers, and sponsors were praised for their dedication in making the 10th edition of the event one of the best yet.
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