The 12th annual Newstead 5K for Achieve is coming soon — this year it’s scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2014.
The race has become a highly anticipated local event for the South Orange and Maplewood community and attracts serious runners from the towns and the surrounding area, with more than 500 registrants last year.
The race also raises money for a good cause — the Achieve Foundation, supporting all of Achieve’s programs, including teacher grants, volunteer tutors, technology upgrades and more for children in the South Orange-Maplewood School District.
The race features chip timing by Compuscore and a Fun Run for children.
We asked race founder Helen Dubowy why the Newstead 5K is so beloved. She gave us these reasons:
- It’s a beautiful neighborhood to run in. People in Newstead are so excited and happy to host the event. Neighbors are out on their lawns around the route cheering others on.
- It’s a great family event. You can run with all ages/all skill levels. It’s an easy flat route. Each year I hear many runners (young and old) talking about how this is their first 5k.
- It’s an exciting and physically fit way to start the school year. Many phys ed and other teachers talk about it in school, get people excited and challenge the children to participate.
- Money goes to a great cause, back to the schools to benefit all of our children, while we are doing something fun.
- Throughout the year people tell me they are “training” for the 5k. In fact, I saw someone running in Newstead who doesn’t live here and asked him what he was doing (this was in May). He said he was running the 5k route to get ready for the event.
- People for months (and years!) after, proudly show off the very popular and often colorful t-shirt that shows they participated in the event (Wait until you see this year’s. We actually ordered 50 more than last year to ensure we won’t run out. Although we say that every year and always run out!).
For more information about being a Newstead 5K sponsor, visit here. To register for the race ($20), visit here.
