NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, 10/3/17
By Rob Jennings
NEWARK — About 1,000 runners will take to the streets Wednesday for a 5-kilometer race that serves as a fundraiser for fighting substance abuse.
The annual Integrity House Newark Corporate Run draws company teams to a race that is a rarity in New Jersey, in that it happens during the middle of the workday.
A staple in Newark for at least a quarter-century, the race will start at 12:15 p.m. on James Street, by Washington Park.
It will impact traffic flow in Newark, with sections of four roads along the 3.1-mile course closing to traffic starting at about 11:30 a.m., Newark Police Capt. Derek Green said.
The race is expected to raise at least $20,000 for Integrity House, a provider of addiction treatment and related programs. The house hosted a visit in 2015 from then-President Barack Obama.
About 10 companies have signed up employees to run, said Lauren Drew, special events manager for Integrity House.
Prudential is sending up to 500, nearly half the anticipated race field. A standout on the Prudential team is database administrator Ruscel Kirkland, who ran a 6-minute mile pace in 2016 and finished in fifth place.
Kirkland said support from spectators intensifies in the second half of the race.
“The crowd gets louder. It kind of ramps people up,” Kirkland said.
The Newark Police Department announced on Tuesday afternoon the following road closures for the race:
- University Avenue between Orange Street and Washington Street
- Washington Street between Lincoln Park and Washington Park
- Clinton Avenue between Martin Luther King Blvd and Lincoln Park
Additionally, southbound traffic on Broad Street will use one lane between Chestnut Street and Lincoln Park.
Roads are expected to reopen within about 30 minutes of the race’s conclusion, Glenn said.
While team registration is closed, race-day registration for individuals, priced at $30, is available starting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Integrity House President and CEO Robert J. Budsock will be cheering on the runners.
He said the race “provides an opportunity to bring the community together while raising awareness for substance use disorder.”
“At Integrity House, we provide individualized treatment and comprehensive care to those battling the disease. Funds raised from this event allow us to continue to do so for the 3,000 clients we serve annually,” Budsock said.
PSEG is sending more than 100 employee runners.
Ellen Lambert, president of the PSEG Foundation, said, “Not only is this a wonderful opportunity for our employees to get together, but it also reinforces our commitment to Newark.”