There are a lot of terrific 5K races in our area, but only a handful of them are geared toward the hardest-working people on Earth–MOMS! I’m a proud sponsor of the annual Miles with Moms 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run coming up on Sunday, April 24th in Clark. In its 5th year, this event is the sole fundraiser for the Mothers’ Center of Central NJ, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet!

The races will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, which is a great flat course. And for you serious runners out there, don’t dismiss this one! The 5K is chip-timed and USATF- and RCAA-certified! Trainers from RWJ gym in Scotch Plains will lead warm-up stretches before the races. At 9 am, the 1-mile run/walk begins; 9:30 marks the start of the 5K. After those races will be a FREE kids’ fun run.

There’s so much more at this event than races–it’s truly an outing for the whole family to enjoy. There will be a DJ, refreshments, and during the first two races kids can be kept busy with activities provided by Tinkergarten and Creative Kids! Strollers are welcome during the 1-mile run/walk.

I spoke with Trish Johnson, one of the volunteers who is organizing this year’s Miles with Moms event and a longtime member of the Mothers’ Center. Trish said, “When I found the Mothers Center almost six years ago, I was a first-time mom home with my baby, unsure of so many things–both about him and myself. I was lonely and craving the friendship and support of other moms. I stumbled upon the Center one day while doing an Internet search and went to my first Mom and Baby group. It was so nice to relax in a supportive environment with other moms and to know that I was not the only one struggling with an infant and first-time motherhood. I now have three children and the Center has helped me through so many ups and downs of motherhood, and continues to be a place of friendship for both myself and my children.”

Trish went on to describe how inclusive the Miles with Moms event is for families: “My whole family will be running the one-mile that day, from my in-laws to my two-year-old! We welcome strollers, kids, families, expert runners, beginning runners, and everyone in between! If you’re not ready for a 5K, our one-mile is a great way to get out there and get active with your family. The day ends with our free kids’ fun run, such a cute event for the little ones!”

According to Trish, this year’s raffle at the Miles with Moms event is going to kick some you-know-what! Here is a list of local businesses who generously donated prizes for the raffles at the event–as you can see, there will be a TON OF PRIZES (woot, woot!). Where you don’t see a prize listed, the business either donated a gift card or basket.

• Alfonso’s Bakery
• 4U Nails
• Atlantic Beach Soap
• Music Together
• Kidz Village 2 VIP fun passes
• Ferraros Restaurant
• Brawl House gym 1 month membership
• Westfield Y 3 month silver family membership
• Dancers Pointe 4 $50 gift cards
• Game Changer gym membership fee
• MLB Network signed Al Leiter baseball
• NY Jets signed poster
• NY Giants signed poster
• Alluem 1 month of yoga
• River and Rail bottle of tequila and gift card
• Patricia and Paul oil and vinegar set
• Farmhouse Store coverlet
• Angels Wings tray of wings
• IPlay America free passes
• Pastosa
• Turning Point 2 complementary entrees
• Echo Plaza Cleaners
• Bloom Nail Salon gift cards
• Devils Tickets
• Dr. Feret teeth whitening
• Wild Roots hair salon basket
• Avon basket with gift card
• Ambeli restaurant gift card
• Vine Ripe Market gift card
• Imagine That gift card for birthday party
• Hunter boots for kids with personalization
• Vanilla Bean Creamery gift card
• Milk Money

For more information or to register for the Miles with Moms event, visit www.njmileswithmoms.org.

From the Mothers’ Center of Central NJ website:

The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey (MCCNJ) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization providing friendship, education, outreach, and support for all parents across Central New Jersey.  Throughout the year the Mothers’ Center offers daytime and evening discussion and craft groups, book clubs, morning and afternoon playgroups, library and referral resources, and special events.  The center holds groups and events at the Garwood Presbyterian Church and Casano Community Center in Roselle Park. On-site babysitting is available for most daytime activities. New members are welcome at any time.

For more information about the Mothers’ Center and a schedule of their upcoming events, visit http://cnj.mom-mentum.org/httpdocs/index.html.