Third Annual Holy Savior Academy 5K run and Family Fun Walk set for June 7

SOUTH PLAINFIELD: A few years ago when Carl Adlassnig was a middle-school track coach, his students mentioned they doubted they would be able to complete a 5K run like he had done numerous times.

“I told them, ‘Yes you can. All you have to do is train and you can do anything you want,’ “ he said.

To prove them wrong, he organized a 5K run at what was then Sacred Heart School.  The run also served as a way to raise funds for the school and promote it. About 70 runners, including 15 students, participated. All 15 students completed the race.

That was five years ago. The run has been staged every year since and has become part of the school calendar, now organized at Holy Savior Academy.

The Third Annual Holy Savior Academy 5K Run and Family Fun Walk is scheduled to take off 9 a.m. June 7, starting and ending at Holy Savior Academy, 149 South Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield.

The fundraiser for Holy Savior Academy, a pre-kindergarten- through-eighth-grade Catholic school, has evolved into a community event.

For the first time this year, the course is certified by USA Track & Field, which, according to its website, is the national governing body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking.

Additionally, Adlassnig said the school committee of parents organizing the run is awaiting approval from USA Track & Field to receive its Grand Prix Series certification, which is expected to come before June 7.

But, he said, even if you’re not an avid runner, you can run this flat course which has no hard turns. There is also a one-mile walk for families, said Adlassnig, who has two daughters at Holy Savior Academy.

Early registration, which ends May 7, is $25; $30 after May 7.

The committee can use volunteers to welcome and sign-in the participants on the day of 5K run. To volunteer, contact Adlassnig at randcautobody@aol.com or at 908-757-1933.

For more information or to view the route, visit www.holysavior5k.eventbrite.com