Boys & Girls Club of Newark 5K to Wellness

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

In honor of the Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids, our 6th annual 5K to Wellness is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ.

🏢 About Us

The Boys & Girls Club of Newark (BGCN) is an after-school program in Newark. We are more than an after-school program. We believe in supporting children from a holistic approach. On-site at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, we have a pediatric dental center that provides no cost to low-cost dental services to children in the community, food distributions, vision care, and social and emotional support to children who attend the program.

🌟 Impact of the Race

• First Fundraiser: Our first 5K fundraiser in 2021, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic that illuminated more access to care, allowed us to hire an additional wellness support staff to expand our wellness program.
• Catalyst for Change: Last year’s event catalyzed us to launch our mental and behavioral health clinic in October 2022.
• Expanding Services: With your participation, we can expand our mental and behavioral service to our members and the greater Newark community by hiring additional licensed mental health practitioners.
• Support for Families: Your support will provide families access to nutrition education, case management to address immediate daily needs and dental and vision care.

🎽 Participant Perks

When you race with us, you will get cool stuff, too! You will receive a t-shirt and a 5K run/walk finisher medal. The race will take place on a USATF-certified course and is sanctioned.

🏆 Awards

Age Group Awards (M&F Overall Top 3, 15 & under, 16 -19, 20 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, 70+)

❤️ Join Us

Join us, as we would love to take a 5K run/walk to Wellness with you!

🅿️ Parking Information

• Location: There is parking located at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center.
• Additional Parking: Additional free parking is available at a side parking lot at 987-1051 Franklin Ave, Newark, NJ 07107.
• Access: There is a path from this lot leading into the park. You must cross the street toward the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center (a landmark near the start of the race).

🔗 More Information

For more details, visit our race page.