Scotch Plains' Annual Charity 5K Is Back June 16 With Special America 250 T-Shirt

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ - Registration is open for the 9th annual Patrick's Downtown Race to Summer 5K in Scotch Plains, with an early-bird price of $30 available until June 8, when the fee increases to $35.

The race is scheduled for June 16, with check-in from 5 to 6:30 p.m., a Family Fun Run at 7 p.m. and the 5K starting at 7:30 p.m. The course follows the same route as previous years, starting and finishing across from the firehouse on Senger Place. An after-party with music and BBQ — donated by the Stage House Tavern — will follow on the Alan M. Augustine Village Green next to the Scotch Plains municipal building.

This year's registration includes a special commemorative T-shirt marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Residents can register at runsignup.com/PatricksRacetoSummer5k.

The race was founded in 2015 by a group of local runners who partnered with organizers of the Patrick J. Allocca Memorial 5K to create a community event promoting downtown Scotch Plains. It is part of the Mayor's Wellness Program and supported by the township.

Proceeds benefit a range of charitable recipients, including Camp Clover, a summer bereavement camp for children; Play for P.I.N.K.; the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad; the Scotch Plains Fire Department; Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Pantry; Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation; SPF Scholarship Foundation; and local families in need, among others. The Patrick's Downtown Race to Summer 5K is a 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax deductible.

For questions or sponsorship information, email patricksdowntownracetosummer5k@gmail.com or follow the race on Facebook at facebook.com/PatricksDowntownRacetoSummer5K.

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