Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Wellness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town partners with De Novo Harriers for spring ‘5K beginner-to-finisher’ training and Mayor’s Wellness Campaign
Summary
The Township of Washington announced a spring 5K, a beginner-to-finisher training program led by the De Novo Harriers, and a Mayor’s Wellness Campaign effort focused on mental health, youth substance use prevention, physical activity and senior social engagement; registration is open and the town is seeking sponsors.
The Township of Washington council on Feb. 3 heard a presentation on the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and a new partnership with the De Novo Harriers running club to run an inclusive, evidence‑based spring 5K and an eight‑week “beginner to finisher” training program.
Judy Beckmeyer, a member of the town’s wellness committee, said the township applied for New Jersey Healthy Town recognition through the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey League of Municipalities. The committee identified three primary goals: community mental health and substance‑use disorder prevention among youth; stress reduction and physical activity for families; and reducing social isolation among older residents.
Bill Nugent, president and a certified running coach with the De Novo Harriers, described the club’s program model. He said the eight‑week training begins with intervals of walking and running and progresses to sustained running — at the program’s end participants should be able to run 40 minutes and complete a 5K (3.1 miles). Nugent said Saturday group sessions, coached runs, two weekly ‘homework’ workouts and guest speakers (physical therapists, podiatrists, safety and road‑running tips) are part of the curriculum.
A De Novo Harriers member, Denise Dupontz, described joining the club after relocating to the township and said the club was “warm and welcoming” and helped her with fitness and social connections.
Council members and staff noted registration for the spring 5K and training is open on the township website and that the town is actively seeking sponsors and informational vendors for the health fair connected to the event. The mayor and councilwoman Velez, who serves on the wellness committee, encouraged residents of all ages and abilities to participate.
Nugent gave a cost example for the training package: a $25 race entry fee and a $60 program fee for eight weeks of coached workouts, two T‑shirts and program support, which he described as intended to be accessible and affordable. Council members stressed the program will be evidence‑based and committee members said they will use participant feedback and data to support applications for Healthy Town recognition in future cycles.
