Julia's Run for Children

🎉 Welcome to Julia's Run for Children

Join us on April 26, 2026, at Edgewood Park, New Haven, CT. For more details, visit here.

📍 Location & Course Description

• Beautiful Park: Our location is the beautiful and peaceful Edgewood Park, just off Whalley Ave in the Westville section of New Haven.
• Rich History: This scenic park was designed in 1910 by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., whose father designed Central Park.
• Race Courses: The 5K & one mile courses stay within the park on its primary driveway/roads.
• Safe Route: You will travel by West River and the ponds within its borders. It’s safe, quiet, scenic, and NO Cars!

🗺️ Race Details

• Maps: The 5K / 1 mile map can be found here.
• Turnaround Points: Both the 5k & mile turn around at the 1/2 mile mark and return to the start area.
• 5K Details: The last turn around of the 5k is at the far end of the park driveway.
• Course Management: There will be cones, signs, and volunteers at key points to make sure you are on course correctly.

🏅 Our Mission

• Honor Julia: Our events commemorate the life of Julia Rusinek, a devoted Yale student who worked to improve the lives of children in need.
• Support for Children: Our mission is to support children through programming aimed at developing leadership skills and a love for literature and writing.
• Affiliated Fund: The Julia Rusinek Memorial Fund benefits programs that engage with underprivileged youth.
• Learn More: For additional details on Julia and her memorial fund, please visit this link.

💚 Proceeds & Donations

• Beneficiary: Our event proceeds benefit LEAP (Leadership, Education & Athletics in Partnership).
• Tax-Exempt Fund: The Julia Rusinek Memorial Fund is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization.
• Community Impact: Donations support educational activities and enrichment programs for youth.
• Contributions: All donations will go directly to our charity partner, LEAP.

👕 Race Goodies

• Shirts: Specially designed shirts are guaranteed in size until April 16. After that, shirts are 'as available'.
• Registration: Registration is online only, even on race day. No paper entries or cash accepted.
• Choice of Timing: Participants can choose timed or untimed for 5K, or opt for an untimed 1-mile walk.
• Kids Run: Our kids' run is non-competitive and will not be timed, with all children receiving a medal.

📅 Schedule

• Cut-off Date: April 16 for guaranteed t-shirt sizing.
• Date & Time: April 26, 2026 - Registration begins at 8:30 am.
• Kids Fun Run: Starts at 9:40 am (not timed).
• 5K & 1-mile Walk: Begins at 10:00 am, followed by awards at 10:45 am.

🏆 Awards

• Eligibility: Only participants in the timed 5K are eligible for awards.
• Sponsors: Awards provided by Woodbridge Running Company with gift card prizes.
• Categories: Awards for overall winners and age group champions.
• Post-Run Snacks: Ready-to-go food and snacks will be available at the finish.

🚗 Parking & Directions

• Parking Availability: Parking lots within the park and street parking available: arrive early!
• GPS Directions: Use ‘MANJARES’ at 382 West Rock Ave. for GPS directions.
• Additional Parking: Nearby lots are available: see directions above.
• Nearby Amenities: Explore local cafes like Bella's Cafe and Cat Cafe.

🤝 Join Us as Sponsors

Please consider joining us as 2026 sponsors and partners to support our charity partner LEAP. For more information, please contact:

• Roza Rusinek: juliarun@gmail.com
• Eliana Arroyo: earroyo@leapforkids.org

👟 Race Director

Marty Schaivone has 35 years of experience managing over 30 running events each year, raising over $250,000 for local charities.