Greta's Run for Imagine Celebrates Largest Turnout in Event History

WESTFIELD, NJ — More than 2,000 runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and community members gathered on Sunday, May 17, for the 13th Annual Greta's Run, making it the largest event in the history of the fundraiser benefiting Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss.

The day brought together families and supporters from across New Jersey for a USATF-certified 5K, Kids Fun Run, and Memory Walk, all in support of children, young adults, and families coping with grief and loss. Thanks to the incredible generosity of participants, sponsors, donors, and volunteers, Greta's Run has already raised nearly $270,000, bringing Imagine within reach of its ambitious $300,000 fundraising goal.

The competitive 5K featured an impressive field of runners. Defending course record holder Stephen Rathbun of Westfield captured first place overall with a time of 15:52. Kyle Price of Milltown, NJ finished second overall, followed by Brody Toriello of Westfield in third place.

In the women's division, Nicole Himmelstein of Scotch Plains crossed the finish line first at 19:29.01. Jenna Parker of Cranford, NJ placed second, while Katie Brown of Westfield earned a third-place finish.

This year also marked the debut of Greta's Run's Stroller Division, a new category created to celebrate parents and caregivers who tackle the 5K while pushing young children along the course. More than 50 stroller participants registered for the inaugural division. Congratulations to Chris Savino of Westfield, who claimed first place in the men's stroller category, and Hannah Simon of Westfield, who earned first place in the women's stroller category.

While race day may be over, the fundraising campaign continues through June 30. Reaching the $300,000 goal will help Imagine meet the growing demand for its free grief support services by expanding programming at its Mountainside center and supporting the continued growth of its Newark location, allowing more families to receive the support they need when they need it most.

The event's success was made possible through the dedication of more than 100 volunteers and the support of dozens of sponsors and community partners. Imagine extends its heartfelt gratitude to every sponsor, donor, team captain, participant, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this year's Greta's Run such a remarkable success. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsors Alpha Fit Club and Garage Gym for their leadership and commitment to the event, as well as to the Matthew Thomas Toriello Memorial Fund, sponsor of the Memory Walk, and Soccer Post, sponsor of the Kids Fun Run.

Since its founding, Greta's Run has become one of the region's most meaningful community events, bringing people together to honor loved ones while ensuring that no child or family has to navigate grief alone.

Individuals interested in helping Imagine reach its $300,000 goal can still make a donation, submit a corporate matching gift, or learn about additional ways to get involved through the end of June. To make a contribution to Imagine’s ongoing campaign, please go to:imaginenj.org/gretasrun.

About Imagine

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