YMCA to hold benefit 5K run on Saturday
Event named for longtime health and fitness director
BY JAY BODAS Correspondent

EDISON - Come out to Roosevelt Park this Saturday morning, rain or shine, for a day of running and familycentered fun.

Organized by the Metuchen Edison Woodbridge YMCA, the ninth annual Janice Garbolino Memorial 5K Classic will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Lakeview School. More than 200 runners have participated in the event in each of the past several years, with proceeds from the race this year going toward the YMCA's Fund for Tomorrow and the Janice Garbolino Scholarship Fund.

Janice Garbolino served as the Metuchen YMCA's health and fitness director for more than 25 years. She passed away from breast cancer in 2002, after which point the run was named in her honor.

"Janice started this run," said YMCA Metuchen branch Executive Director Megan Powers. "Janice believed that the Y should be a place for all people of all abilities, of all body types, and she used to say she was a member of the 12- minute mile club. She was always a fighter for the underdog, who just lived a life that was so positive, and she always found the best in people."

True to Janice's spirit, Garbolino Scholarship Fund recipients are selected based on their commitment to community service and volunteerism. This year's winners are local high school seniors Kristine Rosko and Molly Hampsey, who will each receive $2,500 to be used for higher education.

This Saturday is also the YMCA's second largest annual fundraiser for its Fund for Tomorrow, which is a restricted bank account used by the YMCA to fund offsite facility improvements, support various teen initiatives, and help families in crisis, according to the YMCA's Web site.

The 5K race is one of a number of events slated for the day, all part of the YMCA's Family Health and Wellness Festival. An 8:30 a.m. two-mile Fun Walk for non-runners will precede the race.

Then, beginning at approximately 11 a.m., additional family-oriented activities will be held in Grove 3 of Roosevelt Park. Those include the first annual Family Fun Tot Trot, made up of six special races for kids ages 2 through 7, as well as a picnic complete with games and crafts.

"These events are a way for families to have fun in the park after the race," said Rose Cushing, executive director of child care services for the YMCA. "There will also be some crafts, and a clown making balloon sculptures. It is about feeling good about physical activity and doing things as a family. Volunteers to help that day are also needed and welcome."

The registration fee for the 5K Garbolino race is $15 by this Friday or $20 on race day. T-shirts will be given to the first 300 participants. The Tot Trot requires separate registration, with fees of $10 by Oct. 10 or $12 on race day. For more information about the day's events and to find out how to volunteer, call the Metuchen YMCA at (732) 548-2044 or go to www.metuchen-edisonymca.org.