On Sunday, June 5, the Centennial Village Group will host its 6th 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.
After the race, there will be a post-race treat provided by lead sponsors a toute heure and 100 Steps, along with massages from Neos Zoe of Cranford, raffles, and an award ceremony. 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. For the first time this year, there will also be a prize for the best decorated Cranford spirited stroller.
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, shouting and banging pans to cheer them on. With the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign to help keep Cranford residents active and healthy well under way, 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 racenj.com/Centennial. Pre-registration is open until May 22, 2016. It costs $25 for adults, $15 for youth aged 18 and under, and includes a tech t-shirt. Raceday 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 info about the Centennial Village, visit facebook.com/CentennialVillageGroup.
(above) Runners at the starting line for Centennial Village Group’s 2015 Velocity 5K Race.
Photo by Harlee Madsen
