Kick off the summer by joining hundreds of runners, walkers, volunteers, and community partners for this family-friendly event on Sunday, June 4.

Montclair, NJ – It’s time to get your retro gear on and lace up those sneakers for the 40th Annual Montclair Run! This year’s event promises to be a funky and fun time for participants of all ages.

On Sunday, June 4, runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators from across Essex County and beyond will gather at the YMCA of Montclair for the Grand Prix 10K and 2-mile Fun Run/Walk. The USATF Sanctioned 10K Run, designed for more serious runners, will take participants through two scenic parks on a flat course.

Participants are encouraged to don their favorite “retro” wear, from stellar spandex to totally tubular tube socks. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your style while supporting a great cause. Retro wear is not required but encouraged.

“I am so excited for this year’s run,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “Since the 1980s, the Montclair Run has been a unifying community spring event that also raises monies to help our community. I want to thank all the volunteers, runners/walkers, and our sponsors for making this event what it is today.”

The 10K Presenting Sponsors this year are Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton and Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center.

“We enjoy supporting this community event that brings people together, gets them to challenge themselves, and all for a good cause,” said John and Kristin Fette, Fette Ford-KIA-Infiniti, Clifton.

“The Y’s chronic disease programming complements the mission of our hospital, making a great partnership,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “And we love cheering on our Mountainside Medical Center running club every year.”

In total, 21 sponsors have stepped up to help fund chronic disease financial assistance, including the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, this year’s 2 Mile Fun/Walk sponsor.

The Montclair Run was created in 1983 when Montclair Recreation Director Perry Doerr enlisted Dave Hartop of the Montclair YMCA to recreate a springtime run. Perry Doerr personally mapped out the route. This year will mark the 40th Montclair Run event. However, for at least a decade, the YMCA of Montclair stated the run started in 1982. History buffs can find the actual Montclair Times article at this link to read about the first run on June 5, 1983.

All runners and walkers are encouraged to register online by May 31st at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Montclair/TheMontclairRun.

Race day in-person registration at the YMCA of Montclair, Park Street Branch at 25 Park Street is available on Sunday, June 4, from 6:30-7:30am for the 10K and 8:30-9:30am for the 2-Mile.

All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s chronic disease programs. The YMCA of Montclair also offers financial assistance for childcare, summer camp, membership, and other programs to ensure opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive.

Race Day Schedule

6:30-9:30am Race Check-In

8am USATF certified 10K Grand Prix starts

10am 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts

The awards ceremony immediately follows each race. For the 10K, medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers (male and female) in each age category. For the 2 Mile, medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers overall (male and female). All runners will receive a commemorative medal in celebration of this special run anniversary and a T-shirt.

The races begin and end in front of the YMCA of Montclair, 25 Park Street, Montclair.

For further information about the Montclair Run and to sign up to volunteer, visit https://www.montclairymca.org/montclair-run/.

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re participating in the Five Days of Action – a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By taking part in this important campaign, and through implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, the YMCA of Montclair is committing to the safety of all children in our community.  

The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, tying in three impact areas – preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and youth sports, and internet safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, U.S. Center for SafeSport and Praesidium have shared resources to support this campaign. 

Know: Summer Camp 

KNOWing about child sexual abuse can help adults better understand what to look for and how to prevent it.  As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults to the young people in our lives, we play an important role in protecting them from abuse. This requires our commitment to continually learn and then ask questions about the safety of our loved ones.  

The Y – and other youth-serving organizations – implement a series of measures to keep the kids in their care safe.  Next time you enroll your loved one in a new program, ask them about their child protection practices.   

See: Youth Sports 

When we SEE boundaries being crossed or suspect a child is being abused, we can and should act quickly. Sports should be safe places for children to grow, both as people and athletes. As a parent, caregiver, coach, or volunteer, it is up to you to make sure any environment in which children in your care interact is free from abuse. Learn more about the signs and how you can help prevent child sexual abuse in youth sports at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/parents/. 

Respond: Internet Safety 

Did you know you don’t need evidence to report abuse—only reasonable suspicion? But even for adults, reporting abuse is hard. We don’t want to falsely accuse someone or get someone in trouble. On the other hand, reporting might be the one thing that saves a child – or children – from abuse. It is our responsibility to RESPOND to any and all disclosure, discovery or suspicion of child sexual abuse.  

As adults and children alike have turned to digital tools for school, work, and socialization, online safety matters now more than ever. Many online dangers put children at risk, such as cyberbullying, online enticement, and more. As an adult, keeping an open line of communication with any children in your care who may access online content can be key to helping prevent sexual abuse. Learn the facts, how to keep kids safe, and how to respond to online victimization at https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz. 

Free and open to the public, this annual event features activities to celebrate kids being kids.

The YMCA of Montclair is excited to welcome families to Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The event theme is “A Day At The Y” and will take place from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Geyer Family YMCA, located at 159 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair. Geared towards children aged PreK through 13, this free annual event encourages healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Locally sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, and nationally by Eggland’s Best, Healthy Kids Day will feature a range of family-friendly activities, including STEAM, Games, Sports, Dry Land Water Education, Bounce House, DJ, Sensory Tables, Youth Fitness, Snacks, and more!

“Mountainside Medical Center is proud to sponsor Healthy Kids Day,” said Tim O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Mountainside Medical Center. “Our continued partnership helps the families in our community to fulfill their health and wellness goals.”

Families will receive a ‘passport’ that will be stamped as they move through each activity station. Giveaways await those families that collect all their passport stamps.

“At the Y, we believe in providing resources to families so children have access to what they need to reach their full potential,” said Buddy Evans, YMCA of Montclair President and CEO. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great resources the Y offers.” 

Registration for Healthy Kids Day is required at https://www.montclairymca.org/healthy-kids-day/. 

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

ABOUT MOUNTAINSIDE MEDICAL CENTER
Mountainside Medical Center has been serving Montclair and its surrounding New Jersey communities since 1891. The medical center provides patients immediate access to innovative and effective treatment alternatives at specialized centers within the medical center that focuses on imaging, women’s health, cancer care, surgery, obesity, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Mountainside Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services and is one of only a few community hospitals licensed by the State to perform emergency and elective cardiac angioplasty. To learn more about Mountainside Medical Center visit mountainsidehosp.com.

Montclair, NJ – The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the appointment of Montclair resident Sean Long to its Board of Directors for a three-year term. The board is composed of 22 members who are leaders in their professional fields. Board members provide oversight, guide the nonprofit’s strategic direction, set policy, and raise support for programs and scholarships. Excellent volunteer board leadership is critical to a vibrant, successful Y.

“We are excited to have Sean join our board,” said Buddy Evans, YMCA of Montclair President and CEO. “Sean brings a wealth of professional experience in business operations and e-commerce to our board. His expertise and enthusiasm for our mission will benefit the YMCA and our community.”

Mr. Long is currently the Head of Site Experience for Entertainment, Toys, and Seasonal at Walmart. Previously, Mr. Long was the Senior Director, Site Merchandising – leading multiple strategic business categories at Macy’s, Inc. Mr. Long’s expertise includes e-commerce, digital marketing strategy, and building strategic partnerships.

Mr. Long is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and has resided in Montclair for over seven years with his wife and three children. He is a proud graduate of Morehouse College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in marketing. This is a full circle moment for Mr. Long, as his first job in high school was teaching swimming lessons and serving as a lifeguard with the YMCA.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to join the YMCA Board of Directors,” said Mr. Long. “I look forward to using my professional experience to bring value to the board and the local communities.”

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. Our nonprofit works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community—serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.