Sunday 5K in Freehold Aims at Rebuilding Lives

A $500 scholarship is up for grabs during West Monmouth Cares’ second annual Running to Rebuild 5K Run/Walk. The event, which benefits two charitable organizations, will take place Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Monmouth County Courthouse. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. and the race will begin at 8:45 a.m.

West Monmouth Cares, a non-profit founded by Keller Williams Real Estate agents, will donate proceeds from the event to Homes for Our Troops, a charity that builds custom homes for disabled veterans, and the Right Your Life project, a West Monmouth Cares initiative to provide tutoring, counseling and programming for at-risk youth. Last year, the Running to Rebuild 5K Run/Walk raised money for Homes for Our Troops and the New Direction, a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility in Walton, NY.

The New Direction treated Anthony Mazarra, a 20-year-old Freehold resident to whom Right Your Life is dedicated. Mazarra’s mother, Darlene Palma, will speak during the opening ceremony of the Running to Rebuild 5K at 8:15 a.m.

High school students who participate in the race are eligible for a $500 scholarship. A student from the school that brings in the most participants will be selected to receive the scholarship. In addition, two JetBlue Airways tickets will be given away at the race, according to Kathleen Loures of West Monmouth Cares.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place runners.

Adult registration costs $25. Registration costs $15 for students ages 10 to 18 years and is free for children under $10. Visit the West Monmouth Cares Web site or contact Loures at 732-673-6975 for more information.