TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J. — The Third Annual Spring Into Wellness 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair returned to Bethany Community Center on Saturday, May 3, bringing together residents and visitors of all ages for a lively morning of fitness, connection, and community support.
Organized by the Township’s Department of Public Affairs and Green Team as part of the Mayor’s Spring Into Wellness campaign, the event combined a certified 5K course with a bustling health fair. The day began with wellness tables and activities promoting healthy living, followed by the 5K run/walk through scenic, tree-lined streets surrounding Schlegel Lake.
Fielding visitors was Derek Kaine, a local student and a Boy Scout with Troop 321, working toward earning his Eagle Scout rank by leading a project that will benefit the community: building a community garden behind Bethany Community Center. Work was seen ongoing at the site amid the Spring Into Wellness activities.
Fears of rain gave way to concerns for heat, and race director Daisy Velez (who would go on to win first in female age 40–49) said a second water station was set up on the course to meet the need. The Washington Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps had rigs and crews standing by, and all set forth below a huge American flag hoisted by the Township of Washington Volunteer Fire Department.
Benjamin Sam, 15, of Dumont, was the overall winner with a time of 18:32. Among female participants, 16-year-old Madison Mahoney of the Township of Washington led the field at 22:26. More than 50 runners and walkers took part, with children, parents, and seniors enjoying the festive atmosphere. (For official race results, click here.)
A huge contingent from the De Novo Harriers powered through the course, capping weeks of intense training. (“Founded in 2014, the goal of the Harriers is to show ridiculous support to not only our members but the entire running community. Our mantra is anytime, any place, and any pace for our members who run distances from 5K up to ultra-marathons.”)
Sponsors included Auth and Azzariti for Assembly (silver), and Clemente Orthodontics, Vote Republican – Pallotta for Assembly, De Novo Harriers, and The Chelsea at Washington Township (Bronze).
Special thanks were extended to all supporter level and food sponsors, whose contributions helped make the event a success.
Winners earned trophies, finishers received swag, and children enjoyed family-friendly activities while adults browsed wellness resources and township mainstays, including the police and rec departments and VFW. Proceeds from the race will fund scholarships for high school seniors pursuing health-related careers.
Velez gave us her recap after the event: “It was a great success. We had a total of 184 registered participants. We lost several people because of the potential for heavy rain but the weather was in our favor. In fact it turned out to be a bit too hot, but luckily the Township scouts were able to secure enough volunteers to man a second water station. So on Friday night I was running around buying extra supplies for it! They did a great job!”
She added, “It’s great to see the event bring the community together, supporting and cheering on the course, and on the field chatting with the health fair vendors.”
Here are a few shots of the day, courtesy John Snyder.
