This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

West Orange, NJ will host its annual Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk, starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 9. The events kick off at West Orange Township Hall located at 66 Main Street, in West Orange and will support Essex County Families battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), The Mayor’s Sunshine Fund and the Downtown West Orange Alliance.

This year’s net proceeds will benefit the PSZ Believe Foundation, an Essex County-based charity supporting Essex County families battling ALS. For more information visit

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Every 90 minutes, an individual is diagnosed with the disease and there is no known cure. It is estimated that care for a loved one with ALS could reach $200K annually.

“We are grateful to see the return of the 5K to our Downtown – and for the opportunity to support such an important cause,” said Mayor Robert Parisi. “The Walk to Defeat ALS is an incredible way to unite our community and fundraise for those battling ALS.”

Registration is required to participate the 5K Run/Walk. Pre-registration is $25 for participants 12 years of age and older. The first 300 registrants will receive 5K-themed t-shirts. Day-of registration will begin at 8 a.m. in front of Town Hall and will cost $35. Online registration is strongly encouraged at https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/NJ/WestOrange/Mayors5KRunWalk

Race winners in 15 categories by age will win 1st, 2nd & 3rd place medals. The overall male and female winners will receive trophies as top finishers.

If you’re unable to participate, you can still make a donation – visit this link.

The Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk event will include a FREE 1-mile Kids Fun Run for children ages 11 and under at 9:30 a.m., immediately before the 5K begins. The kids Fun run is sponsored by the West Orange Public Library. Registration can be found at https://bccls.libcal.com/event/9655691. Each participant will receive a wrist band and participation ribbon. New this year are Winner’s Medals for the 1st , 2nd & 3rd Place finishers.

Plenty of free parking will be available at 66 Main Street, 80 Main Street and 61 Main Street, close to the race site.

The Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk is sponsored by Downtown West Orange Alliance.

The Township of West Orange and the Downtown West Orange Alliance offer a wide variety of recreation programs year-round for all residents. State-of-the-art parks and facilities are located throughout the township. Up to date information about programs offered by the Recreation Department can be found at http://www.westorange.org/87/Recreation.

For more information about West Orange, NJ, visit https://www.westorange.org/ or call 973-325-4100.

For more information about the Downtown West Orange Alliance (DWOA), visit https://www.downtownwo.com or call 973-325-4109.

Thursday, 10:30 amUpper East Side, NY