Illuminated 5K in Rahway to benefit local charities

RAHWAY – An eye-dazzling, illuminated night show will hit the streets of Rahway on May 21 in the name of raising money for charity.

The city is hosting its first Firefly Run, a family-friendly, nighttime 5K run/walk in which participants dress in glow-in-the-dark costumes. The event ends with a dance party and costume contest in City Hall Plaza.

“We’re very excited about it,” said Cherron Rountree, Rahway’s business administrator. “It’s going to be a fun night, and we’re anticipating it will be an annual event.”

Rahway’s mayors have traditionally hosted 5K races on Memorial Day weekend, but Rountree said Mayor Samson Steinman wanted to do something a little different this year.

“We wanted to get creative and we hoped an evening race would attract more people to the city,” she said. “We want to show people all the wonderful things we have here in Rahway.

Registration for the 3.1-mile walk/run begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, and the race begins at 7:30 p.m. At 9 p.m., as the participants return, there will be a costume contest and post-race entertainment, which will include music, dancing, refreshments and visual effects.

“It should be a fun party,” Rountree said. “We’re expecting some crazy costumes. We’re encouraging people to get decked out.”

Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome, as are children and baby strollers. Competitive runners have the option of having their race timed, as the event is sanctioned by USA Track & Field.

The Firefly Run started in Dallas in 2010 and has spread to 18 cities this year. Rahway is the first city in New Jersey to host an event.

Participants will receive a T-shirt, race bib, two LED light-up arm bands and a mystery gift. Staff from JFK Medical Center in Edison and members of the New York Red Bulls soccer team will be on hand before the race to help the runners warm up, and the Red Bulls will be at the after-party performing soccer tricks.

Rountree said between 750 and 1,500 people are expected to participate, which should raise a nice sum for The Valerie Fund, an area charity that was chosen in conjunction with Rahway High School, where students are working on a project for the organization. The Valerie Fund is a nonprofit that was started in 1976 to raise money for children in New Jersey with cancer and blood disorders. There are seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers in major hospitals in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia, providing outpatient health care for more than 4,000 children and their families each year.

“A number of families in town have benefitted from their services,” Rountree said.

Several streets will be closed during the event as the runners and walkers head down Main Street to Central Avenue, Pierpont Street, Forbes Street, Bryant Street, Central Avenue, Irving Street and back to City Hall Plaza.

There is no rain date. The cost to participate is $25 to $55. For more information, visit www.fireflyrun.com.