The Mahwah Schools Foundation kicks off the school year with its 15th annual 10k/5k and Kid Run races in Mahwah, at Darlington County Park on Sunday, October 7. Registration is now open and pre-registration is highly encouraged for all races at Active.com or www.themsf.org.

In addition to the 10k, 5k and Kid Run races, the event also features family activities, live entertainment, food and the Trails to Wellness health fair. The Foundation is also proud to announce Olympic Gold Medalist Derrick Adkins will be making a special guest appearance and will be on hand to sign t-shirts, pose for pictures and warm up the participants in the Kid Run. Mr. Adkins, winner of the Gold Medal 400 meter hurdles in Atlanta, is excited to spend time with “the future Olympians” and is looking forward to participating in the races with them. 

The Mahwah Run began in 1997 as the brainchild of several district parents and teachers including Ramapo Ridge Language Arts teacher Lynda and her husband, Tom Zaccone, who still presides over the start of every race.

A USATF NJ sanctioned race, The Mahwah Run attracts runners of all skill levels and ages, from serious runners who are timed using electronic chips, to preschoolers running their first “Pre-k.”  Over 700 runners, as well as hundreds of volunteers, spectators and members of the educational and business communities, are expected to attend the day’s events.  

“Community support is a key part of the success of the Mahwah Schools Foundation,” said Prema Moorthy, President of the foundation. “This race is a great opportunity to bring together our community and show a large audience our commitment to ensuring our children remain on the cutting edge of education. This year, we are particularly pleased to dedicate the day to the memory of Mayor “Dick” Martel. To him, the Mahwah Run exemplified what our community was all about.” Mayor Martel passed away last year after battling respiratory illness.

The 10k begins at 8:30 and the 5k begins at 10:15, with the award ceremony following each race. The Kid Run races, begin at 12 p.m., after a warm up starting at 11:30 a.m. with Mr. Adkins.

Check in and registration will take place at 7 a.m. for the 10k, 8:30 for the 5k and 10:30 for the Kid Run. Day of race registration fees are $25 for the 10k, $21 for the 5k, and $35 for both races. Discounts are available for pre-race day registration and members of the NJ Road Runners club or USATF-NJ Members.  Kid Run registration fees are $10 per entrant.

For the 10k and 5k, cash prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers, each race male/female. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in each race in each age category. All children registered for the Kid Run will receive a tshirt and participation ribbon.  All events are rain or shine!

For more information on the races, registration, and sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the Mahwah Schools Foundation, please visit us at www.themsf.org.

The above is a release from the Mahwah Schools Foundation.