Have you heard about the local 5K race for the hardest-working people on the planet–I’m talking about MOMS, of course! Dads and kids are welcome too at the 4th annual NJ Miles for Moms 5K Run/Walk on April 19th in Clark’s Oak Ridge Park. (Adipex) c

The fun begins at 9:00 am with a 1-miler. At 9:30 the 5K begins, and 10:30 am starts the kids fun run and raffle. There’s still time to register (fees apply for the first two races; the kids’ run is free for children 6 and under): http://cnj.mom-mentum.org/5k/.

The event will be held rain or shine on the certified traffic-free course, so you don’t have to fret about bringing your little ones, and strollers are welcome. The 5K is chip-timed, which is good news for the serious runners who want an accurate measure of their finish time, but all skill levels are invited to participate. In addition to the races there will be raffles, complimentary refreshments, DJ entertainment, kids’ crafts, and more. So make a day of it!

My friend and certified personal trainer Christine Cohen is running this 5K, and she said, “I wanted to get a few of my friends who have never done a 5K before to do a run with me, and this seemed like the perfect first race for them because it’s low key and non-competitive. Plus it benefits a great cause–all of the proceeds go to the Mothers Center of Central NJ.”

The Mothers Center of Central NJ (MCCNJ) is a local group dedicated to supporting moms in whatever stage of parenting they’re in. MCCNJ embodies the phrase “It takes a village,” and the group meets regularly in Garwood for a wide array of family-centered activities, including mommy-and-me playgroups, kids’ art and music classes, educational workshops for moms (childcare provided on-site), holiday parties, fun family movie and bowling excursions, and much more.

If you’re a new mom, or a mom who’s looking to make some like-minded friends, check out the MCCNJ website: http://cnj.mom-mentum.org/index.html.