Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to show off your summer training, just starting to get in shape for the fall, or looking to support a great cause, the Helene Cody Cranbury 5K/1 Mile Fun Run Saturday, Sept. 9, may just be the right event.
This flat, fast, and shady course is perfect for runners looking for a personal record or beginners who want to try out a 5K (3.1 miles) for the first time.
The day kicks off with the 1 Mile Fun Run at 8:15 a.m. followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. sharp. Registration and packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Cranbury Fire House at 2 South Main Street, Cranbury. The fun run is being held in conjunction with Cranbury Day, which is from 9 a..m. to 4 p.m. that day.
Pre-registering online or by mail is recommended to avoid the crowds on race day morning. Plus, those that register before Sept. 6 will save $5 off the entry fee.
As always, there will be great raffle prizes, post-race massages, t-shirts, a DJ, and refreshments. All finishers of the 1 Mile Fun Run earn a medal and the top three boys and girls earn a trophy. For the 5K, the top three males and females overall and in each age group earn a trophy. More information about the races can be found here.
All proceeds from this event benefit the Helene Cody Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity started in memory of Helene Marilyn Cody, a Cranbury resident and Princeton High School student who passed away from a brain aneurysm on her 16th birthday in 2008. The foundation is a completely volunteer-based foundation and is committed to carrying on Helene’s generous spirit by providing service opportunities and resources for young people to make a difference in the local community. The mission of the Helene Cody Foundation is to inspire youth to volunteer, to better their communities and themselves.
The Helene Cody Scholars program partners Princeton High School students with mentors to carry out a community service project throughout the school year. Proceeds from the Helene Cody Cranbury 5k & Fun Run will go toward their service projects and a scholarship fund in Helene’s name.
Projects from 2016-2017 included food and supply drives for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) extracurricular program for Cranbury School students, lacrosse clinics and uniforms for underserved girls in the Trenton area, programs to promote inter-generational interaction s at the Cranbury Senior Center, and a Christmas present drive for needy children in the Trenton area.
For information, email helenecody5k@gmail.com with any questions about the race or for volunteer opportunities on race day and throughout the year.
