Registration is now open for the Sterbenz “Run for the Pickles,” a five kilometer (5K) run and two kilometer (2K) pup walk/roll/stroll to benefit Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. This year’s event, in partnership with MegaBite Events, is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, starting at 10 a.m. at Warren Community College, 475 Route 57, Washington, NJ.

There is a $35 fee for 5K runners and a $25 fee for the 2K pup strut and walkers/rollers/strollers. Participation is free for individuals with disabilities and their families and Abilities’ staff. Registration is available by clicking here. Participant sponsorship is encouraged, and anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking on this link.

Check-in time is 8:30 a.m. for all participants, with a start time of 10 a.m. for both the 2K strut/walk/roll/stroll and 5K run. The first 200 registered participants will receive a custom race shirt, a one-of-a-kind finisher medal, and a pickle-themed treat at the finish line.

“Participating is a powerful way to support our mission,” said Abilities CEO Cynthia Wildermuth. “Every registrant also has the opportunity to set up a personal fundraising page, share their story, and invite friends, family, and co-workers to support their run or walk. Whether you raise $50 or $500, every dollar helps an individual with a disability in our community.”

The 5K course is officially USA Track and Field (USATF)-certified and World Athletics-certified. Utilizing the Community Trail at Warren Community College, a portion of the Warren County Technical School, and nearby Warren County property, one loop is exactly 2.5K. Runners will complete the loop twice and follow an alternative finish path. The course map can be found here.

The Sterbenz Run for Abilities was created by Paul and James Sterbenz in 2020 to replace running events that were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to raise needed funds for Abilities. The “Sterbenz Miles of Smiles” was created in 2022 and expanded to include participants of all abilities.

In case of inclement weather, updates regarding the event will be posted on the Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. Facebook and Instagram pages at @abilitiesnw.

About Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc.
Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people with disabilities to achieve their life goals by providing individualized supports. Incorporated in 1974, Abilities works diligently to create an inclusive community where individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in life. Visit our website at https://www.abilitiesnw.org/, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/abilitiesnw/.