The Hillsborough YMCA Hop 5k is not just any road race.
It is a race that brings families and the Hillsborough community together.
For 19 years, the race has been a community tradition that helps raise funds for the local Hillsborough YMCA.
“The Hop 5K is a tradition, not just for the Y but for the community. This year we are celebrating the 19th year for the race, which has become one of the premiere 5K races in Somerset County,” explained David M. Carcieri, President and CEO, Somerset County and Plainfield YMCA. “The Hop 5K is very important to Hillsborough YMCA. In addition to raising funds for the Y’s charitable mission, the race builds community through supportive relationships and motivates healthy lifestyle. We believe the community building and healthful living aspects of the event are the true benefits.
The race starts at 8 a.m.
Runners can register in person for $40 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hillsborough YMCA on May 31. People can also signup online, according to officials.
“The route for the Hop 5K starts at Hillsborough YMCA and finishes at the township municipal building,” Carceri said.
He said the race is one Hillsborough YMCA’s biggest events.
“The Hop 5K is a benefit for Somerset County & Plainfield YMCA. The race helps support the Y’s mission of strengthening the community by nurturing the potential of children, promoting healthy living and giving back to neighbors,” Carceri said. “Proceeds from the Hop 5K contribute to the Y’s ability to provide under-resourced individuals and families with financial assistance for critical programs and services to help them live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. With that said, our main goal is to host a wonderful event that brings community together and inspires individuals and families to be active and healthy.
He said over the years inspires healthy living.
“The race encourages people of all ages to set and achieve personal health goals. It’s also an opportunity for families in the community to come together to help support a very important cause,” Carceri said. “The Hop 5K also motivates Hillsborough students to engage in running. There is a healthy competition for the annual “Hoppy” award that goes to the school with the highest percent of students participating in the race.
He said he hopes people feel inspired from the event.
“Inspired to be their best selves, inspired to practice healthy living and inspired to accomplish whatever goals they have in life. I’m proud to say that we’ve had people from the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA cancer recovery program participate in the Hop 5K,” Carceri said. “This program is one of many Y programs that are free to the community thanks to fundraising events such as the Hop 5K and generous sponsors and donors.
For more information about the race and signing up, visit www.somersetcountyymca.org.