Let the races begin
Spring is finally here, and with it comes a lot of opportunities to get your body out for some exercise while supporting a good cause.
The local area offers a slew of running events where most allow walkers, many have an accompanying fun run, and all benefit a charity.
Saturday, April 18
Race for Scouting 10K & 5K
10:30 a.m.
Allamuchy Scout Reservation, Waterloo Road, Byram, N.J.
Details: The 10K or 5K trail run takes participants through the Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation. The race starts at the campground then heads out into the woods. The course is rustic with incredible views over a single track trail and dirt roads. Registered runners/walkers can tent out at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Saturday night. Tent platforms are available, fires will be allowed in designated areas. There is no additional charge for camping for runners.
Benefits: The Boy Scouts
Information/Registration: http://raceroster.com/events/2015/4302/run-for-scouting
Saturday, April 18
Hustle for the Puzzle 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk and 1K Fun Run/Walk for Autism
8:30 a.m.
Thomas Bull Park Boat House, Montgomery, N.Y.
Details: The event is held by Parents Run A.M.O.C., which was formed in 2004 by parents who saw a need to raise awareness and bring about more understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Benefits: Autism Spectrum Fund and special events to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Information/registration: www.raceforum.com/autism5k
Saturday, April 18
USO 5K for Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
8:30 a.m. run, 9 a.m. walk, kids 100 yard dash 11 a.m.
John S. Burke Catholic High School, Goshen, N.Y.
Details: Cash Prizes to top overall male and female runners, and option to either be timed or not.
Benefits: Catholic schools in the region
Information/registration: http://register.eagletiming.com/Search/event.aspx?id=31598
Saturday, April 25
Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids Run
10 a.m. 1 mile for kids, 10:30 a.m. 5K start
Tymor Park, LaGrangeville, N.Y.
Details: A survivors group photo and special raffle will take place at 9:30 a.m., and there will be face painting, a 50/50 raffle basket and gift certificate raffles.
Benefits: All proceeds go to the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation and all funds stay within the Hudson Valley to help people affected by breast cancer.
Information/registration: mohrun@hotmail.com
Saturday, April 25
The Grey Towers Heritage 8K Run and Walk
9 a.m.
The Grey Towers Historical Park, Milford, Pa.
Details: The course begins at Grey Towers National Historic Site and follows the Pinchot Greenway through the historic Borough of Milford, travel down to Milford Beach and returns to Grey Towers for an awards ceremony.
Benefits: Grey Towers Heritage Association.
Information/registration: Linda at 570-296-9625 or info@greytowers.org.
Saturday, April 25
Main Street 5K/10K
Sparta P.A.L, Station Park, 38 Station Road in Sparta, N.J.
Details: This year will be the 17th Annual Main Street 5k/10k Festival & Fitness Expo. The race will be changing location this year and will be held starting and finishing at the P.A.L. building.
Benefits: Sparta P.A.L., helping to build confidence and athleticism in children.
Information/registration: www.mainstreetevents.org
Sunday, April 26
1st Annual Chocolate 5K Run/Walk
9 a.m.
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, New Windsor, N.Y.
Details: This scenic course will take runners through the picturesque roads of New Windsor and Cornwall, N.Y. with the addition of a small cross country trail segment. The race will be an amenity filled event and spoil participants with chocolate themed favorites throughout the experience including in a commemorative race bag, on the course, at the finish line, and at the post race celebration breakfast. This inaugural event also includes a complimentary breakfast to all registered 5K Run/Walk participants featuring eggs, bacon, chocolate and chocolate chip pancakes, and chocolate fountain stations with various dipping foods.
Benefits: Bethlehem Presbyterian Church Community Mission and Outreach Programs.
Information/registration: www.chocolate5krun.com
Sunday, April 26
The 21st Ray Caddy Memorial Scholarship Run/Walk (Ray's Run) 4 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk
12:30 p.m.
Dietz Stadium, Kingston, N.Y.
Details: This event is a tribute to Ray Caddy Jr. and his father Ray Caddy. Ray Jr. believed in keeping his mind and body strong. In his twenty-five years of life he accomplished more than anyone could imagine, including his work with young runners, receiving a BA from Syracuse, and learning Japanese and their culture. Ray Sr. died in March, 2009 and worked very hard to make this race an organized and fun event.
Information/registration: ssrun54@aol.com
Sunday, May 2
The Dora Pedersen 5K
8:30 a.m.
Northwest Christian School, Newton, N.J.
Details: In 2010, Northwest Christian School established The Dora Pedersen 5k, named in memory of former NCS gym teacher Dora Pedersen.
Benefits: The Northwest Christian School.
Information/registration: http://www.ncsnj.org/5k.asp?CID=11
Sunday, May 3
15th Annual 4 Mile Run for the River
9:45 a.m. walkers, 10 a.m. run
Asbury, N.J.
Details: This scenic, mostly flat four-mile loop passes streams, pastures, historic buildings, and the Musconetcong River. It's family friendly and also includes music, snacks and free drawings with lots of prizes.
Benefits: The Muconetcong Watershed Association.
Information/registration: www.musconetcong.org
Saturday, May 9th
O.S.C.A.R. 5K -9 & Fido Fun Run
9:30 a.m.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, N.J.
Details: This 5K is flat and fast and will feature T-shirts and goody bags for all 5K and 1K runners/walkers. Awards will be given to the top three male and female winners overall and by age groups.
Benefits: One Step Closer Animal Rescue.
Information/registration: OSCARAnimalRescue.org
Saturday, May 16
Girls on the Run 5K and Lake Mohawk Challenge 8.2 Mile
8 a.m.
Sparta, N.J.
Details: The 5K is an out-and-back course touring through the hamlet of Lake Mohawk. Though it's the culmination of weeks of preparation by girls in the Girls on the Run program, the race is open to the public and is a huge celebration of their accomplishment and running in general. The 8.2 mile challenge is a true endurance test as the course takes runners all the way around Lake Mohawk. Following the race, head over to Station Park, in Sparta, for fun, vendors and a spring celebration at Sparta Day.
Benefits: Girls on the Run
Information/registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Sparta/LakeMohawk8MiandGOTR5K
Sunday, May 17
The 20th Annual Stampede 5K & Mile Fun Run
10 a.m. 5k, 11 a.m. Mile
Newton, N.J.
Details: Held at bucolic Lodestar Park, the Stampede tours runners through the park's many terrains. This year, participants will be regaled by the live music of singer/song writer Jack Tannehill and treated to the race's hallmark home-baked goodies. Unique glasses serve as giveaways, there are gift certificates for the top three male and female 5K finishers and age group awards involve chocolate.
Benefits: The Bears Youth Running Club and Polar Bears Track and Field Program.
Information/registration: https://raceroster.com/events/2015/5103/stillwater-stampede-5k or 973-362-8006
Sunday, May 17
Hudson Balley 15K and Food Bank 5K
9 a.m.
Blooming Grove, N.Y.
Details: This race rides on its reputation as perhaps the most scenic and challenging 15K in New York. Race organizers say, “Make no mistake, and listen to no one who says otherwise - this course has hills! A daunting one at mile 2, and at least two other 'testers' further along the route. But the majority of the course is extremely picturesque, enough so that one might momentarily forget about the hills every once in a while.” The 5K race is far more tame and a lot of fun too.
Benefits: Country Kids 4-H Food Pantry Washingtonville, N.Y.
Information/registration: jfinnigan@hvc.rr.com
Saturday, May 30
Tiger Chase 5K
9 a.m.
Lafayette Elementary School, Lafayette, N.J.
Details: The Lafayette PTO is hosting the First Annual 5K and Kids Fun Run. Participants will receive tech shirts and the event will include great raffles.
Benefits: The Lafayette Parent Teachers Organizations.
Information/registration: 973-903-5308
Saturday, June 6
Off the Beaten Track 5K
9 a.m.
Kittatinny State Park, Andover, N.J.
Details: Runners will meander through the trails of Kittatinny State Park. The trails are on level ground, grass and open trails. This race celebrates National Trails Day. Learn about the newly established 13 mile loop available for family or individual leisure.
Information/registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Newton/OFFTHEBEATENTRACK5KTRAILRUNWELLNESSEVENT
Saturday, June 13
Firehouse 5K
9 a.m.
Spring Street & Diller Avenue, Newton, N.J.
Details: A unique 5K course that takes runners up Cemetery Hill, through the Newton Cemetery and then winds amongst the byways of the High Point development before returning. The race features a fire hose sprinkler to cool down runners and prizes and awards.
Benefits: Help replace aging gear and equipment at the Newton Fire Department.
Information/registration: www.firehouse5K.org
Saturday, June 20
Oburg 5K Mine Run & Miner's Mile
8:30 a.m. Miner's Mile, 9 a.m. 5K
Downtown Ogdensburg, N.J.
Details: A unique race where the course goes through a mine shortly after mile two.
Benefits: Ogdensburg First Aid Squad.
Information/registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Ogdensburg/AMajorRaceinaMinerTown
Sunday, July 19
17th Annual Delaware Youth Center River Run 5k/10K
Details: The River Run is a USATF certified 5K and 10K Race in the hamlet of Callicoon, N.Y. Winding along the Delaware River on the New York/Pennsylvania border, the race offers views of the Pocono and Catskill Mountains, but, situated in the valley, affords a nice, level run.
Benefits: The Delaware Youth Center is a not-for-profit organization, run by a board of volunteer directors and serves more than 300 families each year.
Information/registration: http://delawareyouthcenter.org/the-river-run-2015
Saturday, July 25
Pass It Along Triathlon
7 a.m.
Lake Mohawk, Sparta, N.J.
Details: Swim 750 meters, Bike 17 kilometers and Run 5K around the hamlet of Lake Mohawk, a man-made lake with lots of history and quaint, German-influenced homes. This is an extremely popular event, so registration fills fast.
Benefits: Pass It Along.
Information/registration: http://www.passitalong.org/triathlon