Paws & Soles Saving Lives with Strides 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run- Benefiting the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

Spartan Spirit 5K Run/Walk – 2026

The 2026 Spartan Spirit 5K will be run through the historic streets of downtown Somerville on Saturday, May 30, 2026, beginning at 8:30 am. The race will start and end at Immaculata High School, 240 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Funds raised through this event will directly support the financial aid efforts of our parish schools. Race entry includes post-race awards, breakfast, and access to the beverage garden.

SPONSORSHIP

Event sponsorship opportunities are available at: www.immaculatahighschool.org/spartanspirit5k.

REGISTRATION & BIB PICK-UP

Friday, May 29, 2026, 6:00–8:00 pm

Somerville Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 1068

375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Race Day: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 7:00–8:00 am

Immaculata High School Gym Entrance

240 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876

RACE START TIME

8:30 am – 5K Run/Walk through historic Somerville

AWARDS

10:00 am Awards Ceremony

Overall Male & Female (Top 3)

Overall Alumni Male & Female (Top 3)

Top 3 Male/Female in Age Groups:

10 & under, 11–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80+

(No duplicate awards; scoring by Compuscore.)

ENTRY FEE

$30 Adults - Early Bird until March 31, 2026. $40 until May 29, 2026

$25 Students under 18 years old

$45 Same-day registration

LOCATION

Immaculata High School

240 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ

PARKING

Limited on-site parking is available. Please use the Immaculate Conception Church and School parking lot and walk to Immaculata High School. Parking on Mountain Avenue and nearby side streets will be limited.

QUESTIONS

Contact: Stacey Geary at [email protected] or 908-895-1126.

Step Up for The Arc!

The Rockin' Breakfast Run, presented by The Arc of Somerset County, is an annual 5K Run and Walk fundraiser that helps support vital programs designed to provide quality services and supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Somerset County.

📍 Where: Scenic Bridgewater, NJ

📅 When: Saturday, May 30, 2026

⏰ Run Start Time: 9:00 AM

⏰ Walk Start Time: 10:30 AM

Step Up for the Arc for a morning of fun, fitness, and community support!

🌟 Event Highlights:

Timed 5K Run: Enjoy an amazing, flat course with breathtaking views of Duke Island and the Raritan River & Canal. Half the course runs adjacent to the water, offering a truly peaceful experience!

Walk: Not a runner? No worries—join us for the walk and enjoy the same stunning scenery.

Delicious Breakfast Sandwiches: Treat yourself after the event with a variety of breakfast sandwich options!

🎖️ Participants Will Receive:

• A stylish shirt or tank top

• A unique finisher medal

• A delicious breakfast sandwich

Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience in support of a great cause!

Awards! New

Awards:

Top 3 Male and Female Overall

Age Group Awards:

11 and under , 12-15 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60, 70+

Top 3 Fundraisers

This course takes you through the natural beauty of a 343 acre park and the Raritan River Greenway. Flat and fast, tree lined and shaded, along the shore of the picturesque Raritan River, and next to the fields where the community comes to picnic and play, a perfect setting for fan support throughout. Join us for this inaugural event that so many are excited to be part of as you run 13.1 miles, 10K, or 5K in beautiful Duke Island Park to kick off your summer running season.

Location: Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, N.J.

Reference Address:

191 Old York Rd., Bridgewater, N.J. 08807

The courses follow the 3.35 mile loop in Duke Island Park. Half Marathoners run 4 loops, 10K runners run 2 loops, and 5K runners run one loop. Every loop will be timed in real-time. You will receive splits and a final time.

Water Stations: You will have 3 support stations on the loop providing you with water, Gatorade, and power gels.

Ammenities:

Technical T-shirt: male & female cut

Die-Cast Medal with full-color ribbon (at least 3.5 inches)

Free Images

Personalized Finisher Video with splits and times (optional)

Fresh Brooklyn bagels and spreads!

Huge acrylic awards for Top 3 Overall in each Distance.

Huge award medals for Top 3 in every age group

Live chip timing.

Live Tracking with Race Map.

AWARD MEDALS

Top 3 overall Male and Female

Top 3 Age Groups Male and Female 14- 19, 20-24 until 70 & better!

Please always check our website: https://www.citytrirace.com/ for updates.

Race bib Pick-up: 8:00 - 8:45 AM (time may change due to weather)(official time announced on the week of the event)

Bring picture I.D.

You will receive a bib with a timing chip attached to it.

Baggage Check-in: 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m

Your bib will have a tear-off tag that you will pin to your personal bag.

You need to show the matching bib to retrieve your bag from a secure area.

Race Start: 9:00 AM (time may change due to weather)(official time announced on the week of the event)

Preliminary Results will be posted LIVE.

SEND THIS RACEMAP LINK TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SO THAT THEY CAN WATCH YOUR PROGRESS ON A MAP LIVE. No need for you to run with a phone.

Follow us on YoutTube to watch your finish in real time and after the race.

We Want Ice Cream 5K — Duke Island Park

Ice Cream, You scream, We all scream for ICE CREAM!

Join Live Run Give LLC for the We Want Ice Cream 5K at the beautiful Duke Island Park. This fun and flavorful event invites runners, walkers, and dancers of all ages to enjoy 3.1 miles of flat, scenic park paths—then celebrate at the finish line with a delicious sweet treat!

Event Highlights:

Finisher’s Medal and Ice Cream included with registration

Vegan and dairy-free options available

Unique race shirt and themed finisher’s medal

Family-friendly fun with a competitive edge

Age group awards for top finishers

Bring your family and friends for a day filled with fitness, fun, and ice cream!

What is a Tunnel to Towers Climb?

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk & Climb Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of StephenSiller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. We honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and support our first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty! For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit t2t.org.

How much of the stadium do I have to climb?

You will be following the aisles through the stadium seating, starting in Section 1 and climbing up, down and around to the other side of the stadium at least 5 times (Approx. 2,200 ft of “track”). Click on the link below for an overview of the stadium. Volunteers will be guiding the Climbers.

Patriot Stadium Seating Chart

Do I have to climb all the way to the top floor in order to participate in the T2T Tower Climb?

No, this is a challenge by choice event and we are just glad you can join us.

How many bailout locations are there?

There will be several opportunities to bail out at the top of each aisle. Water stations will be available and the start and end points each round, with concessions open in the middle.

Will there be medical assistance if necessary?

There will be medics on the premises in the event of an emergency.

How long does the T2T Tower Climb take?

This depends on how many steps you climb, and on your fitness level, speed and amount of time spent at rest areas. Some of our fastest climbers finish in about 45 minutes but please climb at your own pace.

Is this a timed climb?

Yes, we will have a timing company on site this year to time our climbers.

Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?

Yes, but please try to stop at the top of the aisles in the concourse where there is more room for other climbers to continue around you. Slower climbers should move to the right, allowing faster climbers to pass on the left.

I might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?

No problem, this is a challenge by choice event. If you are in need of medical assistance, please ask a volunteer for help.

I want to participate, but I'm not sure if stairs are for me. Can I still participate?

Yes! Participants who do not wish to climb stairs are welcome to walk at one of the designated areas of the stadium as a way of participating as well. The concourse is wheelchair accessible as well.

I’m a first responder; can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, scott packs, etc.?

Yes, you may wear turnout gear. In fact, we encourage it!

Can I bring my cell phone?

Yes!

When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and T-shirt)?

Packet pick up will be available starting Thursday, July 30th - Friday, July 31st from 1:00 - 7:00 pm. Saturday (event day) pickup begins at 6:00 am until 7:45 AM.

For the EARLY BIRDS who pick up early, a limited amount of discounted tickets will be given out!

(YOU CANNOT BE GUARANTEED A SHIRT IF YOU REGISTER LATE)

Location : TD Bank Ballpark

1 Patriots Park

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

GPS: 860 E Main St., Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807

What time should I arrive at TD Bank Ballpark?

The event will begin at 8:00am with a ceremony, so we can beat the heat when the climb starts, immediately following the opening remarks. All participants must have their t-shirts in order to participate in the event. All participants should enter through the main gates. We invite all participants to stay until the end for the closing ceremony and to hand out awards.

Can I bring a bag with me?

Yes, and subject to be checked. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables.

Are electronics, cameras allowed at the T2T Tower Climb?

Yes. Cameras and video are allowed. The Foundation is not responsible for any personal items/valuables. Cameras, Go-Pros and video are allowed during the climb.

Can my friends and family wait for me at the Finish Line?

Yes, absolutely!

Will I receive an event T-shirt?

Yes. All participants in the T2T Climb will receive an event T-shirt and finisher's medal who register in advance. We do not guarantee t-shirts for late registrations. T-shirts can be picked up at the designated packet pick-up locations. Please make sure that even if you do not complete the climb to report to the Finish Line with your bib to receive your medal.

Where do the funds raised go?

The goal of this event is to raise money to honor first responders and military heroes. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s various programs including our Smart Home, Fallen First Responder, Gold Star Family, Veteran Homelessness programs. To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and our programs, please visit t2t.org.

Is any portion of my entry fee tax-deductible?

No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb, and includes a participant t-shirt. This is why fundraising is so important! All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Can I still fundraise beyond the date of the climb?

YES! The amount raised for incentive prizes will be determined at 6 weeks post event, but we encourage everyone to raise additional funds.