WEST ORANGE — As front-line workers and communities across New Jersey and the country continue the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, RWJBarnabas Health, in collaboration with the New Jersey Devils, has announced that the annual RWJBarnabas Health “Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk” will transition to a virtual format, with multiple opportunities to participate from Oct. 1 through 25.
This event supports the commitment of both RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils to build healthier communities by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and world-class health care. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit RWJBarnabas Health’s Emergency Response Fund, which provides the necessary resources to help treat the most critical patients; ensures the safety of all caregivers, front-line workers and staff, and manages ongoing preparation to protect surrounding communities for any potential resurgence of the virus or other emergencies.
The new virtual format is designed to encourage greater participation as individuals can run or walk within their communities or even in their own homes, over an extended period of time. Several New Jersey Devils players and their wives, as well as alumni including Ken Daneyko, Grant Marshall and Bryce Salvador, will participate in the event by running in their communities and also providing encouragement through audio messaging on the RunGo App, the platform that will host the virtual race.
“Our partnership with the New Jersey Devils is centered on improving the health within our communities, and thanks to an insightful team and meticulous planning, I’m thrilled we will continue this tradition in a safe and responsible way,” RWJBarnabas Health President and CEO Barry Ostrowsky said. “The virtual RWJBarnabas Health ‘Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk’ will have special meaning this year, as we recognize the selfless and heroic efforts of front-line workers who continue to go above and beyond to battle COVID-19.”
Registration is now open at rwjbh.org/runningwiththedevils. Once registered, participants download the RunGo App and, beginning Oct. 1, choose from three race themes/routes: Run with the Devils; Run with the Animals and Run with Our Heroes. Participants can run in their neighborhood, at a local park in their community and even on a treadmill. Based on the theme selected, runners and walkers will enjoy audio messages of encouragement throughout their run from New Jersey Devils players and front-line heroes and learn all about the animals at the Turtle Back Zoo.
Registrants can participate as many times as they would like to, and submit their times via the RunGo App, which will register the best time submitted by Oct. 25. Awards will be presented for the top three male and female participants, and top three winners in each age category.
Fundraising incentives are being offered for individuals and teams based on benchmarks of $100, $250, $500 and $1,000, and include signed New Jersey Devils merchandise and a virtual video conference with current players and alumni.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with RWJBarnabas Health for the fourth annual ‘Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk,’” New Jersey Devils President Jake Reynolds said. “This year’s virtual 5K provides a unique, safe and exciting opportunity for our fans to get involved, make an impact and honor our front-line workers and health care heroes. I am looking forward to hitting the pavement and clocking those miles with my family throughout October.”
All paid entries will have access to a custom training program with videos from RWJBarnabas Health wellness experts, including strength, agility and conditioning tips. Additionally, participants will have access to nutrition tips from RWJBH dieticians and wellness experts.
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