Montclair Run Celebrates 31 Years in June

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Montclair Run.  

The run will take place on Sunday, June 2, and includes a 2 mile run/walk and 10K (6.2 miles) road race through Edgemont and Anderson parks in Montclair.

Registration for the event is now open (see below for details). This year’s honorary race starter is Tom Fleming, cross country, track and field coach at Montclair Kimberley Academy. 

The event is a collaborative effort between the YMCA of Montclair and the Township of Montclair’s Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs. More than 1,400 runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators are expected to join in this community event.

Included this year at the run will be a DJ spinning popular tunes, a moonwalk, games for kids, sports massages and free refreshments. 

Last year, the Montclair Run welcomed runners from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, including first-timers, seasoned runners, 110 students from Montclair schools and families.  The youngest participant was age 4 and the oldest was 75.

The Montclair school with the best turnout this year will receive a special plaque and a $100 prize to their physical education department for the purchase of equipment.

This year's honorary race starter, Fleming, is a two-time NYC Marathon Champion (1973, 1975); Los Angeles Marathon Pro-Am Champion (1981); two-time runner-up Boston Marathon (1973, 1974); five-time American record holder; and four-time NCAA College All-American.

Much more than just a road race, the Montclair Run raises money for community scholarships that enables kids, adults, families and seniors to lead healthy and active lives. And since physical exercise is a key component of living a healthy lifestyle, this is a great family-oriented event that can help parents lay the groundwork for their children to lead healthier lives. 

"Pat Brechka, the Township of Montclair’s Director of Recreational & Cultural Affairs and I are so excited about this year’s race,” said Carol Kearney, Program Coordinator for the YMCA of Montclair, who co-directs the race with Brechka.

“It’s so rewarding to see so many families participate year after year. And with the growth of the race, so has the number of scholarships we’ve made available for community programs." 

Created in 1982, the first Montclair Run had 240 participants.

Schedule of Events 

The race day schedule begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 2 mile fun run/walk starts. The 10K will begin at 9:30 a.m., and will be followed by an awards ceremony. 

Both events will begin and end at the YMCA of Montclair, 25 Park Street, Montclair.

How to Register

Registration is open through May 30 at the YMCA of Montclair or the Township of Montclair’s Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs, located at 205 Claremont Ave.

Runners and walkers can also register at Fleet Feet Sports, located at 603 Bloomfield Ave. inthrough June 1.

For online registration, visit www.raceforum.com/montclair by May 27. A discount is available for those who register before May 24.

Same-day registration is also available starting at 7 a.m. 

Compuscore will provide race results on www.compuscore.com and photos can be purchased onwww.jackmccoyphotography.com.

For further information or to volunteer on race day, contact Carol Kearney at ckearney@montclairymca.org or (973) 415-6131.