Centennial Village Group to Host 7th Annual Velocity 5K Race

On Sunday, June 4, the Centennial Village Group will host its 7th annual Velocity 5K race. The chip-timed race starts at 9 a.m. and provides a flat tour of part of Cranford’s South Side, starting at Lincoln School on Centennial Avenue in Cranford, and looping through Centennial Village and Mohawk Park.
The top three male and female runners overall will receive a prize and medals, and awards will be given to the top three males and females in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older. There will also be a prize for best decorated Cranford spirited stroller, along with a raffle for prizes from local businesses in which all runners will automatically be entered.
Last year’s race saw over 150 runners from Cranford and surrounding towns. Participants in the family-friendly race ranged from high school students, to parents with kids in strollers, and senior citizens. Residents along the route came out to support the runners, cooling them down with mists of water and shouting to cheer them on. The Centennial Village Group expects an even larger turnout of runners and supporters for this year’s race.
To pre-register for the 5K, visit www.racenj.com/Centennial. Pre-registration is open until May 21, 2017. It costs $25 for adults, $15 for youth aged 18 and under, and includes a tech t-shirt. Race-day registration will also be available, starting at 8 a.m. and costing $30 for adults and $20 for children. Email cvgvelocity@gmail.com with any questions regarding the race.
The Centennial Village Group is made up of Cranford volunteers dedicated to the revitalization and beautification of the Centennial Avenue business district. In addition to the Velocity 5K Race, the Group holds an annual MusicFest to raise funds for their continual efforts to improve the community. For more information about  the Centennial Village and the group, visit www.facebook.com/CentennialVillageGroup.

(above) Runners get ready at the starting line for Centennial Village Group’s 2015 Velocity 5K Race. This year’s race is Sunday, June 4, at 9 a.m. starting in front of Lincoln School on Centennial Avenue in Cranford, NJ.
Photo by Harlee Madsen.