Hillsborough residents will have the opportunity to ring in the new year with a fitness initiative as the Resolution Run 5K race will be held on Jan. 1 at the Hillsborough municipal building, 379 So. Branch Road.
The race will begin at 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to carpool and arrive by 10 a.m.
Now in its 18th year, the 3.1-mile race is open to runners and walkers and remains a continuous event to encourage residents to start the new year with an emphasis on fitness and exercise.
Although the race will benefit several organizations in the community, this year’s primary benefactor will be “Project Graduation,” at which Hillsborough High School’s Class of 2019 graduates can experience a celebratory party after commencement ceremonies in a drug-free and alcohol-free environment.
Other beneficiaries of the race will include Rock Steady Boxing, a program in Hillsborough organized by Barbara Kelly to improve Parkinson’s symptoms, and local pet organizations, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey and Carol’s Cats.
According to the event organizers, the race and the course is USA Track and Field-NJ sanctioned and certified. USATF-NJ members will earn points in the 2019 Grand Prix competition and the race will be timed by Compuscore with finish times and placements available immediately after the race and at the Compuscore website.
Amenities for racers will include a hooded, custom-designed sweatshirt, ribbons for all participants and refreshments at the finish line. In addition to awards for the top three male and female finishers, awards will be provided in 14 age groups, from under 9 to 85 and over.
Regular online registration for the event is open and will close at midnight on Dec. 25 or sooner if the race limit is reached. The fee is $36. USATF-NJ members and those 18 and younger may receive a $3 discount.
According to event organizers, race day in-person registration is not allowed and no registration will be available once all spots are filled.
A collection for the township food bank will be available and participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable items. For more information, visit www.resolutionrun.org