Racing to the Finish and Supporting Cancer Survivors
MAY 13, 2018 SUNDAY | BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ—On May 13, the Summit Area YMCA welcomed over 1,000 participants to the 17th Annual Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk at Memorial Field, in Berkeley Heights. This family-friendly event also hosted a fun magic show, invigorating Zumba dancing, a tot trot, face painting and music.
Matthew Byrne of Berkeley Heights won first place with a time of 17:31; Jason Riddel of Warren placed second with a time of 18:39; and John Hendy of Berkeley Heights placed third with a time of 18:41. Kate Ashley of Bloomfield won first place overall female with a time of 19:17.
Complete race results are listed here.
All age groups participated in this chip-timed, USATF-sanctioned Grand Prix race. The 5K celebrates and honors those impacted by cancer, and proceeds benefit the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA cancer recovery program.
Photo Credit: Jen Ciano.
Jen Ciano & her son Joshua at the 2018 Mother's Day 5K Run Walk
“I signed up because the cause is very dear to my heart being that I am a cancer survivor myself.” said Jen Ciano, a 2018 Mother’s Day 5K Run Walk participant. “I think LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an incredible program and it is amazing that the Y makes those resources available for cancer survivors! Running has helped me overcome my migraines that are mainly caused by my brain tumor so what better way to help support this program than to run for it!! My son Joshua and I share a love for running so it was super special for us to do this on Mother’s Day!”
This meaningful 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 LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA 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 Summit YMCA on June 5 through August 23. For more information or to register, please contact Sue Fieseler at sue.fieseler@thesay.org or call 908.273.3330.
For information about start dates for the Berkeley Heights YMCA program, please contact Lisa McQuilkin at lisa.mcquilkin@thesay.org or call 908.464.8373.
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. 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 Sponsor Taylor Rentals – for making this event a success. Visit our Facebook Page for photographs of all of the race day events.
For more fun upcoming events, visit www.theSAY.org/calendar
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About the Summit Area YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve more than 10,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Millburn, Springfield, Short Hills, Summit, Gillette, and Stirling. 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.