For the 3rd straight year, Rich Gladstone, owner of GladSoles Sandals, showed up and tried his best to win the Newstead 5K Race. “I’ve been running barefoot or minimalist for about 5 years now, and I typically run anywhere from 25 to 50 miles a week, depending on the terrain,” he said.

The Newstead 5K Race benefits the local public school system and this year hopes to raise $15,000 dollars for this wonderful cause. GladSoles is a local mom-and-pop business, that has been producing custom-made, minimalist sandals since 2011.

A record 430 racers turned up and finished the race course, which winds through the leafy streets of the Newstead in South Orange. “The conditions were pretty good for a fast time, although maybe it was a bit humid for this time of year.” Gladstone, wearing his trademark sandals sporting orange laces and white locks, looked determined. “I was running a little late this morning, and only got to the race about 8 minutes before the start.” “I noticed some pretty impressive looking runners at the start line and knew that the winning time would be fast this year.”

The race ended with Gladstone finishing 2nd in his age group. It marked the 3rd year in a row that he finished in the top 10 overall, including first in his age category back in 2011. “I tried my best, but there were a lot of good runners out here today. Next time, I will definitely use the port-o-potty before the race, I was bursting by the end!”

Now that’s good advice for all runners.