9/11 Memorial 5K To Benefit 'Wounded Warriors'

The Knights of Columbus is honoring the 11th anniversary of 9/11 this year with a 5K race/walk on Saturday at The Green at Florham Park to raise money for the soldiers who have been injured while serving our country.

All profits from the race will go to the Wounded Warriors Project, a non-profit organization that helps injured veterans recover and transition back to civilian life through a number of progams including job placement, stress recovery and physical health and wellness recovery.

Event coordinator Segio Bordenabe said 150 people have already signed up, and is expecting about 50 more to join on race day to support the troops.

This race, which is the organization's inaugural 9/11 Memorial 5k Race/Walk, will begin at 9 a.m., with registration starting at 7 a.m.

Also prior to the race time will be free warm-up and stretching activities led by certified trainers from Signature Fitness, which all participants are invited to attend.

Signature Fitness, along with 16 other local businesses including Trader Joe's, Paul Miller and Massage Envy, are sponsoring the event.

"We are extremely happy with the support we have been receiving," Bordenabe said. "We are seeing interest in both individual and corporate participation."

Massage Envy will offer free masssages to the runners, and Trader Joe's and Stop & Shop in Madison will be provide refreshments.

With no particular goal in mind because this is the group's first year holding the race, Bordenabe said he hopes to raise at least a couple thousand dollars for the Wounded Warriors Project.

Bordenabe also wants participants to walk away with an appreciation for the soldiers who have risked their lives for the country.

"I hope people will come out with some more information and understanding of the traumas and hardships that some of our veterans who are risking their lives for our protection come back to face," he said.

The Grand Marshal will be World War II Veteran William J. DeAngelis, who participated in the Normandy landings and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge in 1945. He has received several awards including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

A pre-race pasta dinner will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holy Family Gym, and will cost $5 for racers, $10 for non-racers and $5 for children under 5 years old.

While online registration is closed, participants can still register on race day starting at 7 a.m. for $28.

For more information about the 9/11 Memorial Run, visit the Knights of Columbus website.