Registration is open for the Sterbenz “Miles of Smiles,” a five kilometer (5K) run and one kilometer (1K) walk/roll/stroll to benefit Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. The event, which is open to the public, is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at Warren Community College, 475 Route 57, Washington, NJ.

There is a $20 fee for 5K runners and a $10 fee for 1K walkers/rollers/strollers. Participation is free for individuals with disabilities and their families and Abilities’ staff. Registration is available by clicking here, and everyone who signs up before September 16 will receive a commemorative t-shirt and goodie bag. Participant sponsorship is encouraged, and anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking on the link. This year, the goal is to raise $26,000.

Check-in time is 9 a.m. for all participants, with a start time of 9:30 a.m. for the 1K walk/roll/stroll and 10 a.m. for the 5K run.

The 5K course is officially USA Track and Field (USATF)-certified and World Athletics-certified. Utilizing the Community Trail at Warren Community College, a portion of the Warren County Technical School, and nearby Warren County property, one loop is exactly 2.5K. Runners will complete the loop twice and follow an alternative finish path. The course map can be found here.

“We are grateful to the Sterbenz family for creating this amazing event, which allows runners to compete on a certified course,” said Abilities CEO Cynthia B. Wildermuth. “It’s a competitive and healthy way to show your support for our mission. And because fun is one of our core values, we encourage participants to wear Halloween costumes.”

The Sterbenz Run for Abilities was created by Paul and James Sterbenz in 2020 to replace running events that were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to raise needed funds for Abilities. The “Sterbenz Miles of Smiles” was created in 2022 and expanded to include participants of all abilities.

Following the event will be a brief award ceremony to which all participants are invited. In addition to the first-place male and female finishers, awards for “Largest Team,” “Best Costume,” “Best Effort,” and more will be presented.

In case of inclement weather, updates regarding the event will be posted on the Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. Facebook and Instagram pages at @abilitiesnw.

About Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc.
Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people with disabilities to achieve their life goals by providing individualized supports. Incorporated in 1974, Abilities works diligently to create an inclusive community where individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in life. Visit our website at https://www.abilitiesnw.org/, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/abilitiesnw/.