Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk Welcomes Over 1300 Participants

On May 14, the Summit Area YMCA welcomed a record breaking 1,368 participants to the 16th Annual Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk at Memorial Field, in Berkeley Heights. After a full day of rain the previous day, the morning of the event was greeted by cool breezes and partly cloudy skies, perfect for participants in the run/walk. This family-friendly event also hosted a fun magic show, invigorating Zumba dancing, a tot trot, face painting and music.

Patrick Manion of Summit won first place with a time of 16:54; Christopher Heckelman placed second with a time of 17:12.4; and Gillaum Flavigny placed third with a time of 17:19.5. Complete race results are listed at www.thesay.org/5ktimes

All age groups participated in this chip-timed, USATF-sanctioned Grand Prix race which raised a record of $59,000 in net proceeds. The 5K run celebrates and honors those impacted by cancer, and proceeds benefit the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA cancer recovery program. The program is 100% free to all cancer survivors and patients looking to regain their health and strength in a small group, supportive environment. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA participants receive a free 12 week membership to the Y as they work on rebuilding muscle mass, strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and more. This meaningful program is offered in both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and the Summit YMCA.

The next 12-week session for LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA begins at the Berkeley Heights YMCA on June 13, 2017 at 10:30AM. For more information or to register, please contact Lisa McQuilkin at lisa.mcquilkin@thesay.org or call 908.464.8373.

The next 12-week session for LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA begins at the Summit YMCA on September 12, 2017 at 12:45PM. For more information or to register, please contact Sue Fieseler at sue.fieseler@thesay.org or call 908.273.3330.

This year’s race was also held in memory of Dawne Hausman. Over $19,000 was raised in Dawne’s memory to support childcare scholarships at The Learning Circle YMCA, one of 3 branches of the Summit Area YMCA providing quality childcare. Dawne’s three children presented the award for 1st Place Female Ages 6-9 to Ellie Robertson of Berkeley Heights in honor of their mom, who was involved with running and coaching young girls in the “Girls On The Run” Program. The Y is grateful for Dawne’s friends and family who worked with the Y to continue her legacy of advocating for children in the Summit community.

President & CEO Paul Kieltyka shared: “We are so proud of the tremendous outpouring of support from our communities for our cancer recovery program, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, and for the Hausman family. The Summit Area Y Mother’s Day 5K Run and Walk has become the tradition for all of those we serve to celebrate our mothers while also exhibiting healthy living.”

Thank you to all of our staff, volunteers, attendees, and sponsors – especially Platinum Sponsors Atlantic Rehabilitation and Taylor Rentals – for making this event our most successful race to date. Visit our Facebook Page for photographs of all of the race day events at www.thesay.org/5kpics

The Summit Area YMCA is one of area’s leading 501c3 organizations. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need. To strengthen your community and provide others with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, make your tax-deductible donation today at www.theSAY.org/give.