This week’s Persons of the Week (and a couple of dogs) had plenty to smile about as their participation in the Miles of Smiles event raised money for Abilities of Northwest Jersey.

By Cathy Miller

The new Community Trail at Warren Community College was the perfect track for Abilities of Northwest Jersey’s Sterbenz Miles of Smiles 5k Fun Run/1k Walk/Roll/Stroll on April 30. Despite a chilly start to the morning, it was absolutely perfect by the 10 a.m. start of the race, and the sky could not have been brighter blue!

Abilities made certain everyone was well-hydrated and well-fed by offering oodles of oranges, bananas, granola bars, fruit bars, pretzels and water. With 65 participants, ranging from competitive to leisurely, from young ’uns up to seniors, the run wrapped up in about an hour, ending with first place winners receiving medals in several unique categories.

In 2020, the inaugural event, called the Sterbenz Run for Abilities, was created by Paul and James Sterbenz in response to the COVID pandemic and a desire to replace cancelled running events while raising needed funds for Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc.

Completing the 27 mile “marathon” from Alexandria Township to Lambertville, NJ on a sultry June morning, Paul and James crossed the finish line and successfully raised nearly $12,000!

2022’s goal was $15,000, which was surpassed and currently sits at $16,446.57. There were no “official” sponsors per se, but many people sponsored registered individuals.

Donations can still be made at https://abilities.salsalabs.org/Sterbenz2022.

(All photos by Cathy Miller)