MONTGOMERY The ninth-annual Run With Aimee 5K Foot Race and One-Mile Ramble will take place on April 3 at Montgomery High School. Proceeds will benefit the Aimee Eve Polak Memorial Fund.
Ms. Polak, a Montgomery High School graduate, died at the age of 23 in an automobile accident in April 1996. The fund was started shortly after her death to memorialize her passion of living life to the fullest, according to race director Gary Verhoorn.
The fund provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Montgomery and Hillsborough townships. Last year’s race raised about $27,000 and, since the first race in 1997, the memorial fund has disbursed about $211,500 in scholarships and donations.
"Hillsborough and Montgomery have always been closely associated, and these scholarships reflect the fund’s commitment to the future of our youth," Mr. Verhoorn said. Students are selected for the scholarships through an essay process, he added.
In addition, money is allocated to area charities, such as the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, The Crawford House and Tomorrow’s Children, said Mr. Verhoorn.
Last year, Mr. Verhoorn said, about 650 runners participated in the annual event. He said he expects the same turnout this year.
"It really brings the community together," Mr. Verhoorn said of the race.
The 5K course follows a mostly flat loop route, with a small hill in the first mile. The last mile is downhill. The route is walker-friendly. The One Mile Ramble is an opportunity for all types of runners and walkers to participate in a shorter course.
Ms. Polack was a recreational runner, Mr. Verhoorn said. "We just thought it would be good to do something like a run to bring people together," he said.
All events are held rain or shine.
Those interested in participating can register online by March 29 or on the day of the race. The pre-registration fee is $20 for the 5K and $12 for the One-Mile Ramble. Registration on race day is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the One-Mile Ramble.
For more information, call the race hotline at (877) 342-4633 or visit www.runwithaimee.org.
