Middle Earth Holding Annual 10K Run

More than 500 runners are preparing to gather at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater to take part in the fourth annual 10K run sponsored by Middle Earth.

The run will be held beginning at 10 a.m. March 23 at the park on Old York Road. It is open to the entire community, and supports programs helping youth in Somerset County.

The race is more than 6 miles long along the Raritan River, and takes place rain or shine.

“In my mind, there is no better way to shake the winter blues than a great run on the first day of spring,” said Maggie Navatto, race director, in a release about the event. “Everyone at Middle Earth is so grateful that the runners are supporting our mission of helping youth become responsible adults.”

Middle Earth is a nonprofit organization that holds programs to provide children with a safe environment to work with adults on homework or employment searches, while also giving them a chance to participate in group activities. The programs, the release said, also teach life skills like budgeting, cooking, decision making and more.

As for the race, the course is flat and paved, and short sleeve race t-shirts are given to entrants. In addition, the release said, prizes are awarded to top male and female runners in several age groups.

The entry fee is $30 for those who register for the race before March 13, and $35 for those who register after that date.

Race day registration begins at 8:30 a.m. March 23.

For more information, or to register, visit Middle Earth at middleearthnj.org, or call 908-725-7223.