This past Saturday, runners from across the region gathered in Paterson, NJ for the annual Napier 5K, an event that continues to bring together athletes of all ages for a spirited day of competition and community. With perfect summer weather and a supportive crowd, the stage was set for some impressive performances on the streets of Paterson.
The Rev. Dr. Frank Napier was born August 8, 1935 to Flora and Benjamin Napier. Dr. Napier’s education began in the Paterson Public School System, where he graduated from Public School #4 in 1949 and aterson Central High School in 1953. He earned his B.S. and M.A. Degrees from William Paterson Teachers College and his Doctorate of Education from the University of Massachusetts. He began his professional career in the Paterson School System as an elementary school teacher and coach. He was later appointed administrative assistant to the Principal, Vice Principal, and later Principal of PS #4.
In 1972, Dr. Napier was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Schools and in 1976 he became the rst African American to serve in the position of Superintendent of the Paterson Public Schools. Dr. Napier has served as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University, Director of the NJEA Ethnic Studies Program and the Paterson State SummerEOP Fund. He was also a counselor for the Passaic County Community College EOF Program. Dr. Napier was a consultant for the Paterson Board of Education Social Studies Workshop on Black History, the New Jersey Counsel for Social Studies Grant, and the Third Star Publishing Company in Ridgewood, NJ.
His writings appeared in numerous articles published in many professional journals and newspapers. He served as a sta writer for the Greater Paterson News, the New Jersey Connection Press, and as a sta consultant for the Partners for Progress Conference for the City of Paterson.
Dr. Napier was a member of numerous organizations, some of which were: the New Jersey Urban Superintendents Association, William Paterson Alumni Association, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He was a Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, district chairperson of the Passaic County Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Paterson Public Library and the Greater Paterson OIC. Dr. Napier was a former member of Christ Temple Baptist Church and pastor of the Gazaway Baptist Church at the time of his death. He was the father of David and Darren Napier; and Dina Napier Carroll, grandfather of seven, great-grandfather of two.
All proceeds will go to the Rev. Dr. Frank Napier, Jr. Scholarship Fund.
Top Finishers
- Overall Winner: Jason Brown (14, Paterson, NJ) – 21:10.73
- Second Place: Bryson Coke (16, Prospect Park, NJ) – 22:08.84
- Third Place: Darius Hickman (17) – 23:52.12
Women’s Champion
- Kendra Kara (33, Montvale, NJ) – 27:24.43
Other Notable Performances
- A. Francisco (10, Paterson, NJ) – 23:55.03 (1st Male 15U)
- Jose Giao (52, Newark, NJ) – 23:56.00 (1st Male 51-60)
- Willie Lewis (34, Paterson, NJ) – 24:18.50 (1st Male 31-40)
- Jordyn Cornish (15, Paterson, NJ) – 31:29.81 (1st Female 15U)
- Denise Sharperson (56, Morristown, NJ) – 41:19.70 (1st Female 51-60)
Congratulations to all the finishers and age group winners! The Napier 5K continues to be a highlight of the summer racing calendar, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the starting line next year.
Full results and more details can be found at the official results page.
