13th Annual Greta’s Run to Bring Community Together on May 17

Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, is proud to announce the 13th Annual Greta’s Run 5K & Memory Walk, taking place on Sunday, May 17th at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield. This meaningful event brings together hundreds of participants each year to honor loved ones, support children and families coping with loss, and raise critical funds to ensure that Imagine’s grief support programs remain free and accessible to all who need them.

Greta’s Run was founded in memory of Greta Schoenemann, a Westfield High School freshman whose life was tragically cut short in 2002. In 2019, Greta’s Run was proudly embraced by Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, and continues today with the steadfast support of the Schoenemann family and the greater Westfield community.

Each year, participants come together to run and walk in memory of Greta and the many loved ones our community has lost. Through this shared experience, the event not only honors their stories but also helps raise vital funds that directly support families navigating grief, ensuring they receive support at no cost.

The day will begin with the USATF-certified 5K race at 9:00 AM, followed by the Kids Fun Run—a 200-yard dash for children ages 10 and under. Young runners will have the unique opportunity to complete the final stretch of the 5K course, cheered on by an energetic and supportive crowd. The morning will continue with the Memory Walk at 10:30 AM, offering a meaningful space for participants to walk in memory of loved ones and reflect alongside others who share in their experience of loss. The event will conclude with a dove release ceremony, symbolizing remembrance and hope.

This year’s 5K will feature an exciting return of defending course record holders Stephen Rathbun of Westfield (15:32.94) and Marianne Miller of Westfield (19:25.30). Participants and spectators alike will be watching closely to see if these records will stand—or be broken.

New this year, the Greta’s Run 5K introduces a Stroller Pushing category, making the race even more accessible for families who wish to participate together. Prizes will be awarded to the top Men’s and Women’s finishers!

In addition to the races and walk, attendees can enjoy an upbeat event atmosphere with a live DJ from One of a Kind Events, along with returning favorites including The Juice House, offering complimentary bowls, and Mohammed’s Good Humor ice cream truck, providing sweet treats for participants and spectators.

Greta’s Run is Imagine’s largest annual community fundraiser, supporting its mission to provide free peer-to-peer grief support for children, teens, and families coping with the loss of a parent, sibling, or other close family member.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our community,” said Lindsay Schambach, Imagine’s Executive Director. “Greta’s Run has truly become one of the most meaningful days of the year for us. To see our community come together in such a powerful way—to honor loved ones, support one another, and show up with so much compassion and love—is incredibly moving. It’s a reminder that no one has to navigate grief alone.”

Imagine would like to thank it’s presenting sponsors, Alpha Fit Club & The Garage Gym, along with The Matthew Thomas Toriello Memorial Fund, Soccer Post, Wiss & Company, Fleet Feet, Ernst & Young, PSE&G, Lukin Center for Psychotherapy, JAG Physical Therapy, The Salad House, Westfield Pediatric Dental Group, Lowenstein Sandler, Schuster Family Orthodontics, The Highland Group, Compass School House, Star Painting, Offen Eye, The Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, Jenny Madden Designs, Prime Oral and Facial Surgery of Cranford, Shoreline East, Dangler Funeral Home, The Academy of Garwood - Sports Performance , Family Investors, Westfield Pediatrics, Stark & Stark PC, Hellhound Audio and One of a Kind Events.

Community members are encouraged to register to run or walk, volunteer, or make a donation in support of Imagine’s vital programs.

For more information or to sign up, please visit: imaginenj.org/gretasrun.

Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss is a 501c3 that offers training and education on loss and grief to the community and free year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death. Concurrently, support groups are available for the parents and caregivers of the children in the groups and offered in English and Spanish. Imagine has centers in Newark and Mountainside and offers virtual groups as well. For more information, please contact Imagine at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org or visit our website at www.imaginenj.org.