On July 4, the Columbia High School Cross Country Team is hosting the Third Annual Fourth of July 5K Run through Maplewood. Although this is a fundraiser for the Columbia High School Cross Country, all runners are welcome—not just high school students. There will be awards for the top three men overall, top three women overall, and top three Maplewood residents. To pre-register online, visit their website. On race day, pre-race registration and T-shirt pick-up starts at 8:00 a.m. at Memorial Park and Oakview Avenue between Valley Street and Dunnell Road. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. at the same location. Cost is $25 (the cheaper $20 fee ended on June 14). Email Joe Basili with any questions at: maplewood5k4July@aol.co.

Meanwhile, the Maplewood Lions Club has announced that the 2010 Maplewood in Motion 5K Run will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2010. The Lions Club is coordinating this fundraiser again this year and is asking that any local, non-profit organization seeking to be the beneficiary of the net funds raised submit a letter to the attention of Karen Pisciotta, Maplewood Lions Club, Charities Committee, P.O. Box 1, Maplewood, NJ 07040, no later than Wednesday, July 16, 2010, for consideration. According to Pisciotta, "That letter should identify the organization, define its objectives and needs, and provide a brief description of the intended use of the funds, if selected. The Lions Club Charities Committee will then select this year's beneficiary/ies."

And if you want to find out more about successfully training for a 5K, read Judie Hurtado's chronicle of her own path to 5K success.