Red Cross to Hold 5K Race and Kid Sprint at Millburn South Mountain Reservation

Millburn will host the American Red Cross North Jersey Region annual Run For The Red 5K Race and Walk on Saturday, Dec. 7. Event co-chairs Barry and Pat O’Brien of Short Hills expect this year’s race to be the largest in the event’s history.

The race is an “out and back” course that goes up into the South Mountain Reservation and returns with a fast, down-hill stretch and flat finish. There will also be a kid-friendly sprint race on Glen Avenue.

Proceeds from Run For The Red 5K Race and Walk support Red Cross services in the North Jersey Region.

“We have been expanding our reach to attract both competitive runners and casual joggers and walkers,” Barry O’Brien said. “This year we are also calling on our participants to raise funds through a great online feature to maximize our success for the mission of the Red Cross.”

Teams of walkers and runners are welcome to participate in the race and can compete for fundraising prizes and race awards to 5K finishers by age group and by team.

The event offers participants a community day complete with door prizes, a DJ, snacks and hot chocolate after the race, and team photos. Additionally, Red Cross blood donors will be given a “Life Saver” tag to wear on race day in recognition of their life-saving actions.

Event day registration and check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Millburn Free Public Library on Glen Avenue in Millburn. Children can compete in free Kid’s Fun Sprint at 9:30 a.m. and the official race begins at 10:00 a.m.

Walkers and runners will enjoy a certified racecourse sanctioned by USATF-NJ that provides members with 500 grand prix points and is chip timed and scored by Compuscore.

Registration is $20 for all participants who register in advance. The last day for online registration is December 2. Event day registration is $25 on site or at the Sneaker Factory on Millburn Avenue in Millburn on December 4, 5, and 6. USATF-NJ members receive a $3 discount.

The first 300 participants to pick up race packets receive a long-sleeve souvenir T-shirt and the first 200 also receive a $15 gift certificate towards the purchase of new running shoes from the Sneaker Factory. Kid’s Fun Sprint racers can register on event day and can expect a ribbon for participating.

“We are thrilled to be pulling the community together to make an impact on such an important mission,” says O’Brien. “Every day, the Red Cross is responding to disasters locally and nationwide. In fact, since November 1, the Red Cross North Jersey Region has responded to 25 home fires and helped 90 displaced families – more than 300 people – with shelter, food, clothing and emotional support,” adds O’Brien.

The community event is being coordinated with the help of Investors Bank as official sponsor and partners including Sneaker Factory, The Alternative Press and the Millburn Township Committee.

Participants are encouraged to dress warmly. Run For The Red 5K Race and Walk is a rain, snow, or shine event.Learn more about Run For The Red 5K Race and Walk here.

About the American Red Cross North Jersey Region 


The American Red Cross North Jersey Region provides programs and services throughout the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren, with a combined population of 5.7 million.

The region trains and mobilizes more than 3,330 volunteers who support the delivery of services in the community.

Last year, the Red Cross North Jersey Region responded to 494 local home fires, helping 1,130 displaced families; collected 25,420 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided 1,877 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained 60,441 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. Follow the North Jersey Region on Twitter.