Merry Heart Senior Care Services organizes and sponsors an annual 5K Run to raise funds for local charitable endeavors. This 3.1 mile, USATF-NJ sanctioned race, is a 500-point New Balance NJ Grand Prix event that attracts both members and non-members. The 2007 race, held on June 4, had 743 registrants and 665 official finishers.

The Merry Heart Community Benefit 5K Run has become an event that the community and runners anticipate and enjoy. It also provides local businesses, service groups. and interested individuals an opportunity to get involved with the community. The following organizations have benefited from past races: Roxbury High School Project Graduation, the non-profit Roxbury Day Care Center for Children, Leadership Scholarships for Roxbury High School, nursing scholarships, Roxbury Explorer Post #188 and The Roxbury Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

 

The race is held on the first Monday evening in June, at Eisenhower Middle School on Eyland Avenue in Succasunna. The 2008 race will be Monday, June 2. Bib pick-ups and post-registration begins at 5:30 P.M. The race starts at 7:00 P.M. The race follows a well-marked, relatively flat 3.1 mile course and ends back at the school where everyone enjoys DJ music and food followed by an awards ceremony and distribution of door prizes to the runners. The race director is the well-known Madeline Bost of Ironia. Bost operates “Runners News Service”, supplying coverage and race results to area publications.  

Merry Heart welcomes sponsors and donors. Gold Level ($1,000), Silver Level ($500) and Bronze level ($250) sponsors are all acknowledged on the t-shirt, in the media releases, in the program and on site. Other monetary and door prize donations are acknowledged at the site and in the program. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or donor for our next race, please contact Rose Quinnan, Race Coordinator, at 973-584-4000, ext. 1286 or contact us by e-mail at info@merryheart.com. 

If you are interested in participating as a runner in the Merry Heart 5K Run, fees are $17.00 for a non-USATF-NJ member, $15.00 for a USATF-NJ member or a Roxbury Township resident and $35.00 for a Family (Parents & Dependent Children) Team. Corporate and Club Teams are welcome. Each member registers and pays separately, but designates membership in the team on the application. The top three scores of all team members determine team placement. Teams must pre-register, but add-ons are allowed on race day. Don't wait to enter. Post entry fee is $25.00 for all! 

Register at www.active.com one month prior to the race up to midnight, the night before the race. Applications forms can be downloaded from this site one month before the race or we’ll send you one via fax or mail. Make your request by calling Rose Quinnan, Race Coordinator, at 973-584-4000, Ext. 1286. Completed applications are then sent to: Madeline Bost, P.O. Box 458, Ironia, NJ 07845. Local residents can register in person at Runner's Haven at the College Plaza Mall on Route 10 East in Randolph, N.J.

Awards are given to the top man and woman overall, the top five men and women in the 20 to 34 year age division, the top three in the 35 to 39 age division and all masters five-year age divisions. Youth divisions are: 10 and under, 11/12, 13/14, 15/16 and 17 to 19. Youth winners and groups are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals. Special awards are given to the first Roxbury Township man and woman to finish.

Click here for information about the results of the 2007 race.

RACE HOTLINE: 973-584-6709 or madelinebost@verizon.net.