RWJBarnabas Running with the Devils 5K to Feature Battle of the Mascots and More – TAPinto.net
WEST ORANGE, NJ – In collaboration with the New Jersey Devils, RWJBarnabas Health is hosting its third annual “Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk” on Nov. 2 at Essex County’s South Mountain Recreation Complex.
With highlights like the first-ever New Jersey Mascot Race, free admission to the Turtle Back Zoo, incentive prizes and more, community members to register for the event by Oct. 31 in support of the programs and services of RWJBarnabas Health and its local facilities, including Saint Barnabas Medical Center.
According to RWJBarnabas, this event supports its commitment to building healthier communities by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and world-class healthcare—a goal that RWJBarnabas shares with the New Jersey Devils. Proceeds from the charitable race and day of family-friendly fun will benefit the programs and services of RWJBarnabas Health and its local facilities.
New this year, NJ Devil, the popular mascot for the New Jersey Devils has challenged fellow New Jersey mascots to a race to kick off the festivities with a Battle of the Mascots.
Mascots competing against NJ Devil in an obstacle course race prior to the start of the 5K are Buster (Lakewood BlueClaws); Scarlet Knight (Rutgers University); Sparkee (Somerset Patriots); Tiger (Princeton University); Boomer (Trenton Thunder); Shadow (Monmouth University); Pirate (Seton Hall University); and one of the early favorites, Myrtle the Turtle from Turtle Back Zoo, who has the local knowledge and will enjoy the “home course” advantage.
The mascot race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the USATF Certified 5K at 9 a.m., and the family fun walk.
The popular mascots will remain on site to cheer on runners and walkers and take photos with participants. All residents in the surrounding communities are invited to cheer on their favorite mascots as they compete for the ultimate New Jersey Mascot bragging rights.
“The Battle of the Mascots is a terrific addition to the line-up of activities at the 2019 RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, president and chief executive officer at RWJBarnabas Health. “The mascot race adds entertainment value to a philanthropic event that supports our mission of promoting the importance of healthy and active living within the communities we serve.”
Additional activities include interactive games located in Start Village, music and the opportunity to meet New Jersey Devils Alumni Grant Marshall and Colin White. All entries include free admission to Turtle Back Zoo for the day of the event and an event T-shirt.
Exciting fundraising incentives such as tickets to New Jersey Devils games and concerts at Prudential Center are also being offered for both individuals and groups.
The top individual fundraiser will receive four club-seat tickets to a regular-season New Jersey Devils game (black-out dates apply) and a VIP experience, including a photo-op at center ice.
The top fundraising group/team will receive a skating party for 75 to 100 people at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House.
“In collaboration with the New Jersey Devils and Essex County, this event aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Ostrowsky. “It’s fantastic to see so many individuals come together to support the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
Registration for the 5K is $30 (or a $25 fee for USATF members). Participant medals will also be given to all runners. Awards for the 5K run will be presented to the top male and female finishers overall as well as in various age groups.
Registration for the family fun walk is $20 for adult walkers (over 18) and $15 for child walkers (ages 5 to 17). Children under four years old can walk for free.
Race sponsors include Investors Bank and New Jersey Imaging Network.
Full details on fundraising incentives can be found on the race website by CLICKING HERE. For more information on the event, to become a sponsor or to register for the RWJBarnabas Health “Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk,” visit rwjbh.org/runningwiththedevils.