Walnford to host second country 5K
Run will benefit individuals with disabilities

ALLENTOWN - Get set to run to help disabled citizens in the community.

Allies Inc. will hold its second annual Country Roads 5K run at Historic Walnford Park on April 28.

Allies Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization that helps individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling lives in the community. Its purpose is to provide innovative residential, employment and advocacy programs for individuals with disabilities based on their choices and needs, according to Kelly Jiras, the program development coordinator for Allies Inc. in Hamilton.

Funds raised from the 5K will support individuals with disabilities throughout the state of New Jersey, according to Jiras.

Runners will partake in an accurately measured course through the thoroughbred horse country of Monmouth County. In addition to the professionally timed 5K run, a one-mile fun run/walk and a children's run/walk will be offered as well, according to Jiras.

Participants will enjoy food, drinks, T-shirts and other giveaways. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in each of the seven age groups. Prizes will also be given to the top runners overall, according to Jiras.

Upper Freehold Deputy Mayor William Miscoski will be on hand to begin the run with an official starting gun, according to Jiras.

The event will kick off rain or shine, with registration from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and the one-mile fun run/walk starting at 8:30 a.m. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m., and the children's run/walk will start at 9:30 a.m., according to Jiras.

The cost to register for the 5K on or before April 23 is $20. After that date, individuals may only register on the day of the run for $25. The fee for the children's run is $8, or $15 with a T-shirt, according to Jiras.

Registration forms can be obtained online at www.alliesnj.org. Runners may also register online at either www.active.com or www.raceforum.com. For more information, contact Kelly Jiras at (609) 689-0136 or KJiras@alliesnj.org.