Montville Marathon in the Works

A Montville resident who has run marathons in 27 states is proposing to hold a full marathon of 26.2 miles through the township and part of Kinnelon in September, saying it would be the only marathon in northern New Jersey and it would put Montville on the map.

Michele De Vito submitted a proposal to the Township Committee this month and, at Tuesday's committee meeting, Mayor Jim Sandham said officials likely will be more comfortable with the idea if it receives police approvals and if proceeds will support charities, including a township organization.

De Vito said she already is thinking about what groups the event might support.

She estimates 2,500 runners might participate, but doesn't know what the number actually would be. Township Administrator Frank Bastone suggested capping the number of participants "so we don't have Woodstock."

The event could result in the closure of township and county roads for much of the day.

Montville Police Lt. David Peterson requested more information about the number of runners, any need for overflow parking and whether there would be a shuttle service. County roads—including Changebridge and Jacksonville roads and Boonton Avenue—would be affected by the planned route using them would require county approval, Peterson said.