37th Rubin Run attracts a fast crowd at the JCC
More than 1,100 runners came out for the JCC’s 37th annual Rubin Run on Mother’s Day, celebrating family and fitness and at the same time raising funds for programs for people with special needs. In addition to the 5K and 10K runs, this year’s USA Track and Field-sanctioned event featured a challenging 8k trail run through the scenic Lost Brook Preserve, maintained by the Tenafly Nature Center.

Runners came from 26 cities and five countries; they ranged in age from 3 to 90. A third of the runners were under 18 and half of them were newcomers. Nick Strain, 17, of Tenafly was the 5K winner; Betsy Eickelberg of Leonia, 26, was the 10K winner; and Mathew Posh, 32, of Quebec was the 8K winner.
The JCC offered specialized training programs, including running clubs, one-on-one personal training, and a 5K training program for 6- to 13-year-olds to help prepare for the race, achieve new fitness goals, and maximize performance.
Race day also included athletic warm-ups, DJ entertainment, and a performance by the JCC’s dance company. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female winners in each age category, and all the children younger than 9 who finished the race were given medals. Participating moms received a rose as they crossed the finish line in honor of Mother’s Day.
“The Rubin Run exemplifies everything we stand for at the JCC,” Jordan Shenker, the JCC’s chief executive officer, said. “It brings our community together to share in something meaningful on a very special day. It also acknowledges the importance of fitness and healthy lifestyles. This year, we raised a very impressive $100,000 in much-needed funds to support important programs that allow people with special needs to flourish to their best potential, including valuable life skills opportunities and confidence-building community volunteer experiences.”
The Kaplen Foundation was the presenting sponsor. Lead sponsors included the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, BSecure, the Rubin family, the Rubach family, the Jewish Standard, and the North Jersey Media Group. The Rubin Run is named for the late Leonard Rubin, a founder and past president of the JCC, who established this community-wide athletic event to encourage and promote healthy living.
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