YMCA of Montclair Proudly Hosts the 41st Annual Montclair Run, honoring Betsy Smith

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YMCA of Montclair Proudly Hosts the 41st Annual Montclair Run, honoring Betsy Smith 

Kick off the summer by joining hundreds of runners, walkers, volunteers, and community partners for this family-friendly event on Sunday, June 2. 
 

Montclair, NJ - On Sunday, June 2, runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators from across Essex County and beyond will gather at the YMCA of Montclair for the 41st Annual Montclair Run. The event offers a Grand Prix 10K and family friendly 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The USATF (USA Track and Field) Sanctioned 10K Run, for more serious runners, is a fast & flat course that runs through two scenic parks.  

Both races are chip timed. Free finish line photography is provided. Same day registration is available. Popular performance material shirts and finisher medals are provided while supplies last. 

This year, the run is honoring longtime YMCA of Montclair staff member, Betsy Smith who passed away in October 2023. Betsy proudly served the Y for 25 years at the Welcome Center, where she greeted members and staff with her famous Betsy smile. Betsy was the Y’s 4th of July Parade float ambassador, co-chaired the 2017 1891 Gala, and was a trailblazer and advocate for education inclusion. 

“Betsy came to our Y from the Montclair High School Transition Program. She was a powerful role model who paved the way for so many students with Down syndrome and other disabilities,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “We proudly continue her legacy at our Y and value our continuing partnership with the Transition Program. We are honoring Betsy at the run because Betsy surprised us last year by joyously running in the 2-Mile race. We ask this year's participants to wear pink or sparkles in Betsy's honor.”   

The Montclair Run is a ‘Run for a Cause’ race. All race proceeds benefit the Y’s community health programs through direct financial assistance. The race is also funded by generous individual donors and sponsors. The Y’s 10K Presenting Sponsors this year are Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton, Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, and Milner Technologies. In total 29 sponsors have stepped up to help fund community health programs, including the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, this year’s 2-Mile Fun/Walk sponsor. 

“Fleet Feet Montclair and the Fabbro family are blessed to be part of the YMCA race for 37 of its 41 years. Our dear friend Betsy Smith's life exemplified the best of the YMCA and Montclair community. Her very presence was a constant reminder to create space and support so that ALL people, ALL paces are valued and included,” said Dawn and John Fabbro, owners of Fleet Feet Montclair. 

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. 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 June 1st 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 2 from 6:30-7:30am for the 10K and 8:30-9:30am for the 2-Mile.  

Race Day Schedule  

  •  6:30-9:30am Race Check-In 
  •  8am USATF certified 10K Grand Prix starts 
  • 10am 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts  

This year, award and finisher medals will be handed out immediately at the finish line for 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).  

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. The YMCA of Montclair offers financial assistance for childcare, summer camp, membership, and other programs to ensure opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.