Julia's Run for Children

🏞️ Location

• Park Name: Edgewood Park, just off Whalley Ave in the Westville section of New Haven.
• Park History: Designed in 1910 by Frederick Law Olmsted JR.
• Scenic Features: Travel by West River and the ponds within its borders.
• Parking: There are parking lots within the park and plenty of street parking. Arrive early.

🏃 5K Course Details

• Course Type: Primarily on the park's main driveway/roads, safe and scenic.
• Course Map: View the course map here.
• Route: Starts and ends near the pavilion, includes a half-mile out and back segment.
• Accessibility: Open to all abilities and ages, including a kids-only run.

🎉 Our Mission

• Honoring Julia: Dedicated to celebrating the life of Julia Rusinek.
• Fund Goals: To support children in developing leadership skills, literature appreciation, and athleticism.
• Event Proceeds: Benefit LEAP (Leadership, Education & Athletics in Partnership, Inc.).
• More Information: Visit Julia's memorial fund site.

💰 Donations

• Donation Details: Use our donation button on the event page to contribute.
• Fund Status: A tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organization with minimal operating costs.
• All Contributions: Go directly to LEAP to support local children.
• More on LEAP: Founded in 1992, the largest youth-serving agency in New Haven.

👕 Race Goodies

• T-shirts: Specially designed shirts guaranteed in your size until April 16.
• No Shirt Option: Participants will have the option to not take a shirt.
• Registration: Online only: no paper entries or cash on race day.
• Choice of Events: Participants can choose between timed and untimed distances.

📅 Schedule

• April 16: Cut off for guaranteed t-shirt sizing.
• April 26: Event day at the Pavilion: bib pickup starts at 8:30 AM.
• Kids Fun Run: Begins at 9:40 AM (not timed).
• 5K Start Time: All 5K events and one-mile walk start at 10:00 AM.

🏆 Awards

• Eligibility: Only timed 5K participants qualify for awards.
• Categories: Awards for first place male, female, and nonbinary finishers.
• Age Group Awards: Gift cards for age group champions.
• Post-Run: Snacks, beverages, and food will be provided.

🚗 Parking and Directions

• Park Access: Parking lots available, alongside street parking.
• Public Facilities: Tennis, basketball, dog park, and skate park available in the area.
• GPS Address: Use 'MANJARES' at 382 West Rock Ave, New Haven for directions.
• Neighborhood Spots: Recommended nearby cafes include Bellas Cafe and the Cat Cafe.

🤝 Sponsors and Support

• Partnership Opportunities: Consider joining us as sponsors for the event.
• Contact: For sponsorship information, reach out to Roza Rusinek or Eliana Arroyo via email.
• Race Director: Marty Schaivone has over 35 years of experience managing running events.

📌 Event Details

• Date: April 26, 2026
• Location: Edgewood Park, New Haven, CT
• Event Link: Register here.