Annual FCwalk now also a USATF 5K run!

(Courtesy of FC) The LifeTown campus is expected to host 2,000 people who will gather Sunday, October 30, for the annual FCwalk. This year marks the first that an official qualifying 5K run has been added. The fun-filled event also includes entertainment and family activities.

“There’s a whole community of runners who care about Friendship Circle and LifeTown. This is an opportunity for them to do what they love for an organization that they are passionate about,” said Rabbi Yisroel Rosenblum, who is coordinating the event.

This 5K event is for runners and non-runners alike: Any couch potato inspired to run and looking for support can join a six-week training program. On Sunday mornings, at 8:00 a.m., the group will run together at LifeTown to prepare for the big event.

“One of the most exciting parts of any 5K race is the crowd and the atmosphere before, during and after the race,” said Ari Wise, who is chairing the run together with Josh Stein. “By combining the 5K with FCwalk and the post-walk festival, the race will certainly have an incredible environment that will make it more than just a regular Sunday-morning run.”

Isaac Wise, 17, Ari’s son, a Friendship Circle volunteer and a school president, loves the idea of exposing his friends to the organization through the run. “Not all my friends know about Friendship Circle,” he said. “To be on a team and run and support and learn about a good cause—that’s the best!”

The run is a new way to engage more people in the work of the Friendship Circle and LifeTown, where Josh’s three daughters have been volunteering for years. “In a digital age with lots of distractions, teenage volunteers are immersed in a grounding experience and receive important life lessons that will carry forward into adulthood,” he said. “Children receiving services and support experience the joy of being part of a community and having a social network among their peers. FCNJ is a win-win for volunteers along with participants and their families.”

To set up the 5K race, a course had to be measured, mapped and certified by a USATF official who visited LifeTown in Livingston.

“The race will be an amazing experience for everyone participating—whether it is their first 5K or they are seasoned race veterans looking to set a personal record,” said Ari.

In addition to volunteering, running and making a difference in the lives of children and young adults with special needs, Josh Stein has one more goal, he said. “I’m looking forward to crossing the finish line with many Friendship Circle staff and volunteers who will be running for the kids!”

Create a team, join a team or sign up for the walk or the run as an individual. For more information and to register, visit www.fcwalk.com.

Date:

Sunday, October 30

Location:

LifeTown

10 Microlab Road

Livingston, NJ 07039

FC5KRun:

10:30 am – Registration

11:30 am – Run begins

FCwalk:

11:00 am – Registration

12:00 pm – Walk begins

12:30 – 3:30 PM – Fun, Food and entertainment for the whole family. All food and entertainment provided at no charge.