40th Annual Montclair Run to be hosted on June 4
For the last 40 years, Montclarians have gathered to stretch their limbs and wear out the bottom of their sneakers for the annual Montclair Run. The event will be hosted by the YMCA of Montclair and promises to be a “funky and fun time for participants of all ages.”
On Sunday, June 4, people from throughout Essex County and beyond will gather at the YMCA of Montclair for the Grand Prix 10K and 2-mile Fun Run/Walk. The Grand Prix 10K is sanctioned by USA Track and Field and is aimed at more advanced runners. Participants will be taken through a flat course of two scenic parks in the race that starts at 8 a.m. The 2-mile Fun Run/Walk will start at 10 a.m. Event organizers are encouraging all participants to wear retro styled clothing such as long tube socks, bright colors and spandex.
“I am so excited for this year’s run,” said Buddy Evans, president and chief executive of the YMCA of Montclair. “Since the 1980s, the Montclair Run has been a unifying community spring event that also raises monies to help our community. I want to thank all the volunteers, runners/walkers, and our sponsors for making this event what it is today.”
The 10K is sponsored by Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton and Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center.
“The Y’s chronic disease programming complements the mission of our hospital, making a great partnership,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “And we love cheering on our Mountainside Medical Center running club every year.”
Twenty-one sponsors will be helping fund the chronic disease work that the Y is doing, including the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, which is also the sponsor for the 2-mile Fun Run/Walk.
The Montclair Run was started in 1983 by the Montclair’s recreation director, Perry Doerr, and Dave Hartop of the Montclair YMCA to recreate a springtime run.
All runners and walkers are encouraged to register online by May 31 at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Montclair/TheMontclairRun.
Registration will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. for the 10K run and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for the 2-mile run at 25 Park St. All proceeds raised for this event will go toward the YMCA’s chronic disease program.
An award ceremony will immediately follow each race.
For the 10K, medals will be awarded to the top three finishers, male and female, in each age category. For the Fun Run/Walk, medals will be awarded to the top three finishers overall, male and female. All runners will receive a commemorative medal in celebration of this special run anniversary and a T-shirt.
The races begin and end in front of the YMCA of Montclair, 25 Park St., Montclair.