MAPLEWOOD, NJ — On Sunday, Oct. 16, the Maplewood Lions Club sponsors its 16th annual Maplewood in Motion 5K and Kids Fun Run. Bring your family and friends to run, jog and even walk through the beautiful, tree-lined, certified 5K course throughout Maplewood. Strollers are welcome.
The Maplewood in Motion 5K race added veteran causes to its focus of beneficiaries after Columbia High School graduate, U.S. Marine Scott Wenger, took his own life in 2015. Since then many runners look forward to the opportunity to remember Wenger, while also contributing to the improvement of veterans’ services and quality of life.
“This year we added America’s VetDogs to our list of beneficiaries as Scott was a proud and loving dog owner, and understood the true value of companion pets. The club wanted to find a way to continue to remember our veterans’ visible and hidden scars from their service to our country,” race Co-chairwoman Emily Konopinski said in a press release.
In addition, the Maplewood Lions has added the Bob Miller Oysterfest to the list of beneficiaries. This incredible cause, in memory of Maplewoodian Robert J. Miller, brings awareness to melanoma, and provides support for research and care for those diagnosed with melanoma. The Oysterfest provides free cancer screenings by dermatologists and information on skin products and prevention. Last year’s Oysterfest was able to identify and slow the spread of cancer in at least two people in attendance who had cancerous spots found at the screening.
The race takes place on Oct. 16 on Maplewood Avenue in front of Kings. Race packet pickup and in-person registration will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Ave. in Maplewood.
You can preregister online until Oct.13 at maplewoodlions.org or you may register in-person the day of the race. Registration fees are non-refundable. Race winners will be recognized in multiple age categories and an award will go to the fastest first-time runner. All race participants will receive a T-shirt.