Night Of Lights 5K Returns To Honor Life Of Westfield's Jake Tooley

WESTFIELD, NJ — In honor of late Westfield resident Jake Tooley, the town will once again hold its annual Night of Lights 5K race this September.

The inaugural Night of Lights was held in 2019 to celebrate Tooley, who died in a house fire in 2017. Tooley was only 19 years old.

This year's event will take place Sunday, Sept. 11 at Tamaques Park.

Read more: 'Hero', 'Amazing Brother': Westfield Teen's Life To Be Celebrated Thursday

The race was held off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but came back in 2021, raising over $20,000 for Imagine, A Center for Coping With Loss, which supports children and families dealing with the death of a loved one. Money raised at this year's 5K will once again go toward Imagine.

Sam Tooley, Jake's older brother and president of the Tooley Legacy Foundation, is the organizer of the event. The mission of the Tooley Legacy Foundation is to lend support, assistance and financial aid to families in need when tragedy strikes.

"Understandably, my world was turned upside down," Tooley wrote on the Foundation's website. "Jake's passing came only nine months after we had suddenly lost our Dad. Jake and I had always been incredibly close, having gone through as much as two brothers ever could. We were best friends. His loss hurts my heart every single day but has also sparked a new level of motivation and drive, while truly giving me a purpose."

In high school, Tooley found a love for running and went on to become captain of Westfield's state champion cross country and track teams. After college, he came home to coach running and now owns Alpha Performance in Garwood and Alpha Fit Club in Westfield.

"Westfield rallied behind my Mom & I after Jake's passing in a way that I cannot articulate," Tooley wrote. "The outpour of love was incredible... It showed me what a special place this town was."

Those who want to participate in the 5K can pick up a pre-race bib and t-shirt at the Alpha Fit Club in Westfield on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m.

If you do not pick up your bib and t-shirt the day before, runners will be able to pick up the day of the race at Tamaques Park starting at 5:15 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.

The actual race begins at 6:30 p.m.

Early bird registration ends Aug. 30, which costs $35, and regular registration will go until Sept. 10 for $40.

You can more about the 5K and register here.

You can email Sam Tooley with any questions at coach.samtooley@gmail.com.

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.