What’s a better way to spend a Sunday morning than taking a brisk run through a winery, especially one that supports a good cause?
The South Jersey ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk is scheduled for Nov. 3 at Valenzano Winery, 1090 Rt. 206, with the 5K beginning at 9 a.m. The race is rain or shine. Cost is $40 for all ages in the 5K, $25 for all ages in the 1-mile walk, $15 for the Superhero Dash (ages 0 to 9) and $35 for the Snooze for Dudes. Survivors and patients can participate in the 5k for $30.
Participants are strongly encouraged to register online at ZeroProstateCancerRun.org/South-Jersey, which is open until Oct. 30. Day-of registrations are also available at the race from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and are an additional $5.
In-person registrations take place at the following places on the following dates:
- Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at New Jersey Urology Office, 2401 Evesham Road, Suite F, Voorhees.
- Nov. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Valenzano Winery.
Parking is available for the expected 450 participants at the winery’s main lot.
“Zero is one of the national nonprofits for prostate cancer and their mission is to end prostate cancer,” Renee Haney, director of the east coast metro chapter of ZERO Cancer, said. “This is the second annual event in South Jersey. They hope to draw in the local communities and make awareness about prostate cancer and that early detection is key.”
Haney added when money’s raised, 86 cents of every dollar goes to research funds and programs ZERO Cancer has for patients and their families, including a program that provides financial assistance to help pay for medical bills.
While the race is a 5K run, people are more than encouraged to walk the full 3.1 miles with their friends and families.
Kids are given the opportunity to participate in their own race at 8:45 a.m. called Dash for Dad when, at the end of the race, they’re given a cape, medal and a race bib. Kids can also enjoy face painting and an appearance by Wonder Woman.
“If there’s someone who can’t make it and wants to give back to the event, they can register for [the Snooze for Dudes],” Haney said. “They can be home, register for the program and receive a T-shirt as if they participated in the race and still raise money for the organization.”
Survivors, patients and their families are treated to a complimentary 7:30 a.m. breakfast in the winery’s barrel room, but they must be preregistered online for the race. At the close of the race, a ceremony is held for the survivors and their caregivers.
As herds of people are expected to come to the winery on race day, volunteers are needed to help assist with event operations. Kathryn Lorenz, Marketing and Partner Relations Director at CK Running, said she and Haney are more than happy to sign off on community service hours for people and students.
“They can help out with gear check, especially some runners who don’t like running with their belongings, and they can hold onto that during the runs,” Lorenz said. “They can help runners with the start and finish lines. Course Marshals can point the runners where to go, or they can serve water during the 5k.”
Volunteers are asked to park on the winery’s festival grounds, 1320 Old Indian Mills Road, Shamong, and not on the winery’s main lot.
Haney said when she volunteered in previous years, it was rewarding for her to see people come together and see the survivors and know that “you’re a part of something much bigger than you.”
“There’s so many 5Ks out there and this one stands out from the rest, everyone’s at respective points in their journeys,” said Lorenz. “The ceremony after the race makes you realize this is why we’re doing this.”
To volunteer, contact Haney at [email protected] or register online. To register for the race or to learn more, visit ZeroProstateCancerRun.org/South-Jersey.
