Heroes for Children 5k Run and Family Fun Run/Walk

About the Heroes for Children Event

On October 21st, we will hold our in-person, fun-filled event (rain or shine) at the Essex County South Mountain Recreational Complex in West Orange. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities come together for a great morning around the beautiful reservoir to raise funds for Child Advocacy Centers and Multidisciplinary Teams in all 21 counties. The 5K run begins at 9am, with packet pickup beginning at 8am. The family fun run/walk, which is a total distance of 1.8 miles (one lap around the reservoir), begins at 10am. Fun family activities - including face painting, balloon animals, popcorn and cotton candy, Batman and his batmobile, and $5 same-day admission to the Turtle Back Zoo - will be available throughout the morning. 

Participants who choose the virtual option will have a week, October 14th-21st,  in which to run, walk, or bike their 5K distance. During that time, we will have social media challenges and contests with giveaways, for which our sponsors are able to include promotional prizes!

Submit your selfies and photos to our Facebook or Instagram pages or via email with the hashtag #NJCA5K2023 by November 1st. 

Prizes will be awarded for virtual participants in the following categories:

Best View on My Run/Walk/Ride: Post a picture of your walk/run/ride scenery.  Winner will receive a $25 gift card to Shutterfly to capture all their “best views” & memories.

Dogs Need a 5K Too!: Post a picture of your canine walk/run/ride buddy.  Winner will receive a $25 gift card to Chewy.com so you can stock up on dog treats.

I’m a Superhero: Post a picture of your superhero walk/run/ride gear.  Winner will receive a $25 gift card to Dunkin or Starbucks (your choice) because you’ll need a boost of caffeine to be a superhero.

Best Race Time: Submit your time using a race app screenshot. Winner with the best time will receive a $25 Visa gift card.

My Team is Better Than Yours: Post a photo in your sports team running/walking/riding gear! Winner will receive a $25 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

All proceeds will benefit the state's 21 county-based Child Advocacy Centers:

Atlantic County Child Advocacy Center              Middlesex County Child Advocacy Center

Bergen County Child Advocacy Center              Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center

Burlington County Child Advocacy Center          Deirdre's House, Morris County's CAC

Camden County Child Advocacy Center             Tina's House, Ocean County's CAC

Cape May County Child Advocacy Center          Passaic County Child Advocacy Center

Cumberland County Child Advocacy Center       Salem County Child Advocacy Center

Wynona's House, Essex County’s CAC              Somerset County Child Advocacy Center

Gloucester County Child Advocacy Center         Ginnie's House, Sussex County's CAC

Hudson County Child Advocacy Center               Union County Child Advocacy Center

Hunterdon County Child Advocacy Center          Warren County Child Advocacy Center

Mercer County Child Advocacy Center