(VINELAND, NJ) -- Downtown Vineland will again be “off and running” on Sunday, June 26, for the fourth annual Running The Ave 5K, to take place rain or shine, starting at 9:00am, on Landis Avenue. Organized by Main Street Vineland, in cooperation with Second Capital Running and with major sponsorship by Premiere Orthopaedic Associates, this event, Cumberland County’s premier road race, will be a fully-sanctioned race.

Vineland’s downtown business district—The Ave—will be transformed that day into a magnificent 5K course, which will include a run through beautiful Landis Park. This sanctioned race will include professional timers and awards in a variety of categories.

Registration is $30 per runner, but $10 for runners age 18 and under. To register, go to Main Street Vineland’s website, www.TheAve.biz and go to the event link. Proceeds from the run will benefit Main Street Vineland’s efforts to help the continued revitalization of Vineland’s historic downtown. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

This 5K, a fully-sanctioned race, is on a fully closed road course with police support. Awards include: Top Male and Female Overall, Ten-Year Age Groups, first Vineland resident to cross the finish line, the True Grit Award to celebrate the spirit of never giving up, the last-place finisher, and a Team Challenge.

“If you’re running just one 5K this year, or have held back because of the COVID situation, make it this one,” said Main Street Vineland Executive Director Russell Swanson. Runs such as this are all the rage across the country. This will be a great way for people to have fun, keep physically fit, and help promote our beautiful downtown—The Ave—while, at the same time, staying safe.” 

This will not only show off our downtown area to new people, but will also help promote a “keep healthy” program for The Ave.

“We have had as many as 145 runners from throughout the area at our past races and we’re expecting to match or exceed that this year,” Main Street Vineland Associate Director said. It will also give us the opportunity to show off what we have to offer. “We’re working on a health component for The Ave that will include walking/running trails. This run is part of the way in which we are inaugurating that component. Come out, run, watch, cheer the runners—join us!!”

While at the run, those attending can check out a health fair sponsored by the Vineland Health Department, starting at 9:00am in the parking lots on the 60 block of Elmer Street. The event will include vaccinations, participation by local health-related vendors, and refreshments, including an ice cream truck.

Photo credit: Second Capital Running