BRIDGEWATER - The Somerset County Employee Wellness Committee and EmPoWER Somerset invite residents to put a spring in their step by participating at the sixth annual 5K Race to Wellness and one-mile Fun Walk.

The event will be held, rain or shine, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, at Duke Island Park, located at 191 Old York Road. The 5K course is USATF certified. To register online, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/5KRacetoWellness. Free goody bags will be distributed, while supplies last, and prizes will be awarded to top finishers.

Participants who pre-register will pay a $30 entry fee and those who register by Wednesday, March 13, will receive a free long-sleeve t-shirt. The fee for residents age 60 and above or for youth, age 19 and under, is $20. On the day of the race, registration will increase to $40.

“This is a fun event and a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Patricia Walsh. “I encourage residents and county employees to sign up so they can enjoy the health benefits that exercise offers.”
“We also encourage Somerset County students who participate in track and field to come out and compete for the 5K Race to Wellness High School Championship,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Walsh. “A trophy will be presented to the top male and female finishers, and medals will be awarded to those who come in second and third place.”

A new attraction this year will be a Northstar medevac helicopter. Race participants will have an opportunity to look inside the helicopter, which will be on display near the 5K course. Northstar also will have a team running in the event.

Proceeds from the race will benefit Somerset County non-profit organizations, including EmPoWER Somerset, Somerset County Tourism and the Somerset County 4-H Association.

Established in 2012, the Somerset County Employee Wellness Committee is dedicated to improving and maintaining the general health and well-being of employees by providing information, activities and services that are designed to support healthy life choices. Partner organization EmPoWER Somerset, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to assist individuals and families in making positive lifestyle choices and to foster healthy, drug-free communities, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

For more information, contact Sheriff’s Officer Capt. Steve San Antonio at (908) 625-5925 or visit http://www.empowersomerset.com/5k-race-wellness/ to learn about the event and sponsorship opportunities.

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