TENAFLY, N.J.—The Tenafly Educational Foundation is excited to announce the running of the 21st Tenafly 5K Run and Dog Walk on Sunday, June 2.
“This annual event offers a fun range of activities for all ages and abilities,” said organizers. “From the signature 5K road race through picturesque downtown Tenafly, to the JCC 1-Mile Fun Run, to the 5K Dog Walk and Dog Parade for our four-legged furry friends, to the Tiger Cub Races for our littlest participants, this community event truly offers something for everyone.”
All profits from the Tenafly 5K Run benefit the Tenafly Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that has been supporting Tenafly Public Schools through teacher-generated educational grants since 1984.
TEF’s beautiful 5K course follows a United State Association of Track and Field-certified route through the tree-lined streets of Tenafly, with hundreds of volunteers passing out cups of water and cheering on the runners. After the 5K runners, walkers and stroller trotters start at 9 a.m., and then dogs and their owners take to the course at 9:05 a.m. for the 5K Dog Walk.
The dog parade, presented by the Tenafly Veterinary Center, begins at 10 a.m., as does the Tiger Cub Races for runners ages 6 and under. The JCC 1-Mile Fun Run for children and adults of all abilities takes off at 10:30 a.m.
All participants receive a Dri-Power Active commemorative T-shirt, a reusable tote bag, and other fun merchandise. JCC Staff will once again lead runners in pre-race warm-ups before the 5K and Fun Run.
Trophies are awarded to the top three finishers, male and female, for the 5K overall, as well as for stroller and dog runners. In addition, trophies are awarded to the top Tenafly finisher (male and female), and to the top three finishers in each grade for Tenafly students, and in a wide range of age groups. This year’s awards ceremony will also continue the tradition of recognizing 10-, 15- and 20-year race participants. Participants celebrating one of these milestones are encouraged to email the race organizers at info@tenafly5k.com to reserve their free commemorative shirt or jacket.
The weekend’s festivities begin with the Tenafly 5K Kick-Off party on Friday, May 31 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Tenafly Middle School. All registered participants and their families are also invited to join the Tenafly Educational Foundation at a free pasta party catered by Palmer’s Crossing of the Clinton Inn and numerous area restaurants on Saturday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. Both of these events offer a chance to register for the race, pick up runners bags and shirts, and see friends and neighbors both running and volunteering at the event. Both events will take place at the Tenafly Middle School Cafeteria on Sunset Lane.
While the athletic and pet-friendly events take place on the morning of June 2, the TEF 5K will again feature its popular Family Health and Fitness Fair (8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) with dozens of vendors inside and outside the Tenafly Middle School Gym.
“The Tenafly 5K is supported by several area businesses. We are particularly thankful for our Platinum Sponsors: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Englewood Health, and Honda of Tenafly. Gold Sponsors are Juma Fit and Palisades Dental Care,” organizers said.
Race Directors, Eric and Lori Leskin, who took over the Tenafly 5K last year, will be assisted by the Palisades Running Club.
“We are looking forward to continuing the tradition of the Tenafly 5K,” Eric Leskin said. “We particularly enjoy watching the town-wide enthusiasm we see from residents of all ages and from runners who come from throughout the tri-state.”
Lori Leskin said the event is a “a great way for families to meet each other, share a fitness experience, and celebrate a very meaningful and common cause—to support our town’s youth by providing unique educational opportunities for all. Our sponsors also love it because it allows them to interact with their Tenafly customers in a casual, fun environment.”
To participate in any of the activities, or volunteer for the TEF 5K, go to www.tenafly5k.com.
For further information about the run and dog walk, or to become a sponsor, email info@tenafly5k.com or contact Eric Leskin at (201) 522-2557.
File photo/Hillary Viders