By: David Tsai
PARAMUS, NJ, Oct. 2, 2024 – As part of Bergen Community College’s commitment to supporting its students who are military veterans, the college will host the 9th Annual Hero 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. The event (excluding the virtual 5K) will take place at the Paramus campus located at 400 Paramus Rd. and there are three races which people can register for: (1) the HERO 5K which costs $35, (2) the Robert Dyer Kids 1K Fun Run which costs $15, and (3) the Virtual HERO 5K which costs $35. All proceeds from the event will go towards services for B.C.C.’s veteran students.
Registration for the races can only be done online, through the link https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Paramus/bcc5k. This means there will be no registration at the event with cash or check, although last minute registration on a smartphone is allowed. Early packet pickup (which includes a souvenir t-shirt and bib) is available for the in-person 5K runners only, and it will take place on Friday, Nov. 1, time and place tba. As an alternative, runners can get their packets at the event on race day, but they will need to arrive early to pin their bibs on their shirts.
The race schedule is as follows: the HERO 5K will begin at 8:30 am, the Kids 1K Fun Run will start at 9:30 am, and the Virtual HERO 5K can be run any time on Nov. 3 at the runner’s choice of location, but the results must be uploaded the same day. It is strongly recommended that runners for the in-person races arrive 30 minutes to an hour prior to race start.
The main race is the in-person HERO 5K and great effort has been taken to make it good. There will be course marshals to guide the runners as well as markers on the race route. At the halfway point, there will be a water stop and just after the finish line, water and snacks will be provided. Finally, to improve safety, the course will be closed to traffic. After the race, awards will be given out for the top three male and female finishers, and the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
Young children are able run in a race that’s not so focused on competition by means of the Robert Dyer Kids 1K Fun Run. This race is for children seven years of age or younger, and it is untimed. Participants will get capes to design and as long as they cross the finish line, they will receive finisher medals. Then for those 5K runners who are not able to be on site for the event, they can register for the Virtual HERO 5K. After they upload their results, they will be mailed a race shirt within 7-14 days. However, they are not eligible for awards.
Lastly, while the Annual Hero 5K Run/Walk welcomes runners of all abilities, it could not be so successful without all the great volunteers who make the event possible. If you would like to volunteer, you can register via the race link listed above. Hours for the volunteer shift are 6:30 am to 10:30 am and all volunteers will receive a complimentary t-shirt. The organizers of this race sincerely hope everyone involved, from the runners to the staff, has a great time on race day. For more information, please contact the race director, Professor Julie Seda, at jseda1@bergen.edu.
