The 5k, 10k, one-mile walk and kids fun run will take place on Saturday, June 23 at Shawnee High School.
The Pineland Striders of Medford are sprinting into their 41st Annual Independence Races to be held on Saturday, June 23, at 8:30 a.m. at Shawnee High School, located at 600 Tabernacle Road in Medford.
The club was formed in 1977 by four Medford runners and currently has more than 100 runners. The purpose of the club is to provide the Burlington/Camden County area with an organization where runners can meet other runners through weekly scheduled training runs, trail running, monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, as well as other programs throughout the year.
This year’s Independence Races include a 5k (equaling 3.1 miles), a 10k (equaling 6.2 miles) and a one-mile walk. The 10k attracts the most runners, since it is one of the only long distance races in the area, and it provides practice for those training for events such as triathlons in the upcoming seasons.
There will also be a free kids fun run held at 8:10 a.m. before the race, where children are invited to run across the field to the goal post or to run one time around the track.
The annual race typically attracts anywhere from 200 to 400 local runners, and this year there is an addition of a DJ, a Zumba instructor and prizes for the largest team/club to attend. There will also be “swag bags” for participants that include a head buff, lip balm, local business giveaways and raffle items. The first overall male and female in the 5k and 10k races receive cash awards.
Race director Jean Lizzio said, “Everyone has a chance of winning whether you are a champion runner or someone just jogging along for enjoyment.”
Lizzio has been race director for two years now, alongside co-director Nancy Ellor, with coordination for the following year’s race beginning directly after one race ends, to allow enough time to secure the location, insurance, sponsors, volunteers, advertising, promotions, signage, permits, fliers, etc.
Lizzio said, “I have been a member of the Pineland Striders for about 15 years as I enjoy the group training runs and the support and friendships that help you attain your athletic goals.”
Proceeds of the Independence Races benefit the Precious Gems Memorial of Medford and the American Diabetes Association — Camp Freedom.
The Precious Gems Memorial is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community and increasing public awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving. The Precious Gems Memorial remembers Megan Blong, Amanda Geiger, Shana Lawler and Angela McGrady, Shawnee students who passed away in 1999 after being struck by a drunk driver while on spring break in North Carolina, as well as a fifth student, Mike Horner, who was seriously injured but survived.
The American Diabetes Association — Camp Freedom, is a resident camp program for children ages 7 to 16 that provides a safe environment for children with diabetes to participate in traditional camping activities while making friends and learning how to manage their diabetes.
Online registration for the races is offered until June 21 at www.pinelandstriders.com/striderevents and day of registration will be from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Registration until June 22 is $25, day of registration is $30 and the one-mile walk is $10.
