Residents of Gloucester Township gathered on April 13 for the annual 5K run/walk organized by the Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee and Council President Orlando Mercado.
The event is held every April and is a fundraising effort that benefits local high-school students through a scholarship fund. The committee will award 50 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to be applied toward expenses at an accredited college or university. All seniors attending any public or private high school who are residents of the township and meet the criteria listed on the application are eligible to apply.
Mercado has spearheaded the annual 5K race since 2012, with a growing number of participants joining each year. It has become a cherished tradition for township residents and an opportunity to support education and local youth.
The event saw runners and walkers of all ages and abilities take to the streets of the township, with runners beginning and ending at the township municipal complex on Chews Landing Road and walkers taking two loops around the Veteran’s Park track.
For those not inclined to run or walk, there were opportunities to cheer on participants, listen to music and indulge in snacks. The committee cited the dedication of volunteers and overwhelming support from residents in making the event a success and the importance of supporting education initiatives within the township.
Photographs capturing the spirit and camaraderie of the race were provided by Dave Gruen. They can be found on the Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee’s Flickr page.
Awards were presented in the following categories: first male overall, first female overall, first Gloucester Township resident finisher, first parent and child duo finishers, first male Clydesdale 195-plus pounds and first female Athena 150-plus lbs
For updates on future events and volunteer opportunities, visit the committee website at www.gtdsc.org or the township website.
