Greta's Run 5K & Memory Walk
- Date Sun 17th May 2026
- Time 8:55AM EDT
- Location Westfield, New Jersey
- Price Free - $38.40
- Races 5 races
- Distances 5km
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Event summary
Join us for the 13th Annual Greta's Run 5K & Memory Walk on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield, New Jersey. This uplifting event begins with a USATF-certified 5K race at 9:00 AM, followed by a fun-filled Kids Fun Run at 10:00 AM, and wraps up with a heartfelt Memory Walk at 10:30 AM.
Greta's Run was established in memory of Greta Schoenemann, a bright young soul whose spirit continues to inspire the community. Each year, participants come together to honor Greta and the memories of loved ones lost, with the goal of raising funds for Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss. Last year, the event raised over $250,000, and this year, the target is set at an ambitious $300,000 to further support grief programs for children and families. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful cause while enjoying a day filled with camaraderie, remembrance, and community spirit!
Greta's Run was established in memory of Greta Schoenemann, a bright young soul whose spirit continues to inspire the community. Each year, participants come together to honor Greta and the memories of loved ones lost, with the goal of raising funds for Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss. Last year, the event raised over $250,000, and this year, the target is set at an ambitious $300,000 to further support grief programs for children and families. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful cause while enjoying a day filled with camaraderie, remembrance, and community spirit!
Organiser's Description
The 13th Annual Gretas Run for Imagine will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield, New Jersey. This years event will feature a USATF-certified 5K race at 9:00AM, followed by a Kids Fun Run at 10:00AM and conclude with a Memory Walk at 10:30AM.
HISTORY OF THE EVENT
Gretas Run was founded in 2012 in memory of Greta Schoenemann, a Westfield High School freshman who tragically died after sustaining injuries when a tree branch fell on her and her classmates during lunch. In 2019, Gretas Run was proudly inherited by Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, and continues with the support of the Schoenemann family and the greater Westfield community. Each year, participants run in memory of Greta and the many loved ones our community has lost, helping to honor their stories and keep their legacies alive.
Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Gretas Run raised over $250,000an extraordinary achievement that directly supported Imagines free programs and services. As the demand for grief support continues to grow, so does our commitment to meeting the needs of our community. This year, we hope to raise $300,000 to allow Imagine to open additional Nights of Support, ensuring that even more children, families, and community members have access to the care they need.
ABOUT IMAGINE
Imagine, located in both Mountainside and Newark, NJ, provides FREE, year-round peer grief support groups for children and families coping with the death of a parent, sibling, or child. According to a 2025 study conducted by the Childhood Bereavement Estimate Model, 151,000 children in New Jersey will experience the loss of a parent or sibling before the age of 18a number that more than doubles to 365,000 by age 25. Our work focuses on transforming grief into resilience, empathy, and compassion, ensuring that young people grow up emotionally healthy and able to lead meaningful and productive lives. In addition to support groups at our two centers, Imagine offers grief education and training to schools, agencies, and workplaces, as well as on-site support following traumatic loss.
T-SHIRT & BIB PICK UP
T-Shirt and Bib Pick Up will be available in advance of race day at FLEET FEET WESTFIELD on:
Friday, May 15th: 4 - 7PM
Saturday, May 16th: 9* - 1PM. _*Fleet Feet will be opening an hour early for T-Shirt and Bib Pick Up this year. _
Shirts and bibs will also be available for pickup on the morning of the race beginning at 7:45 AM.
HISTORY OF THE EVENT
Gretas Run was founded in 2012 in memory of Greta Schoenemann, a Westfield High School freshman who tragically died after sustaining injuries when a tree branch fell on her and her classmates during lunch. In 2019, Gretas Run was proudly inherited by Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, and continues with the support of the Schoenemann family and the greater Westfield community. Each year, participants run in memory of Greta and the many loved ones our community has lost, helping to honor their stories and keep their legacies alive.
Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Gretas Run raised over $250,000an extraordinary achievement that directly supported Imagines free programs and services. As the demand for grief support continues to grow, so does our commitment to meeting the needs of our community. This year, we hope to raise $300,000 to allow Imagine to open additional Nights of Support, ensuring that even more children, families, and community members have access to the care they need.
ABOUT IMAGINE
Imagine, located in both Mountainside and Newark, NJ, provides FREE, year-round peer grief support groups for children and families coping with the death of a parent, sibling, or child. According to a 2025 study conducted by the Childhood Bereavement Estimate Model, 151,000 children in New Jersey will experience the loss of a parent or sibling before the age of 18a number that more than doubles to 365,000 by age 25. Our work focuses on transforming grief into resilience, empathy, and compassion, ensuring that young people grow up emotionally healthy and able to lead meaningful and productive lives. In addition to support groups at our two centers, Imagine offers grief education and training to schools, agencies, and workplaces, as well as on-site support following traumatic loss.
T-SHIRT & BIB PICK UP
T-Shirt and Bib Pick Up will be available in advance of race day at FLEET FEET WESTFIELD on:
Friday, May 15th: 4 - 7PM
Saturday, May 16th: 9* - 1PM. _*Fleet Feet will be opening an hour early for T-Shirt and Bib Pick Up this year. _
Shirts and bibs will also be available for pickup on the morning of the race beginning at 7:45 AM.
Races
-
Greta's Run 5K
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Sun 17th May 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$38.40
Event t-shirts are guaranteed for the first 1,500 registered participants. Shirt sizes are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. 5K Youth Registration (12 and Under) - $15 (Automatically Applied at Check Out) -
Kids Fun Run
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sun 17th May 2026 (10:00AM EDT)
$17.20
Open to children ages 10 and under, the Kids Fun Run is a 200-yard race held on the last 200 yards of the 5K course, giving young runners a chance to cross the finish line just like the 5K participants. -
Memory Walk
Incl. $2.50 Fee
Sun 17th May 2026 (10:30AM EDT)
$22.50
Join us in honoring your lost loved one during our Memory Walk. Participants will walk the perimeter of the Roosevelt Intermediate School block, lined with Memory Walk signs that lovingly memorialize those who have died. To purchase a Memory Walk sign, please visit the Race Store tab. Youth Registration (12 and Under) - $10 (Automatically Applied at Check Out) -
Virtual 5K
Incl. $3.40 Fee
$38.40
For all of our friends outside of NJ, participate individually anytime, anywhere! Youth Registration (12 and Under) - $15 (Automatically Applied at Check Out) -
Wheelchair 5K
Sun 17th May 2026 (8:55AM EDT)
Free
Participants using wheelchairs are welcomed and encouraged to join the 5K. The wheelchair start will begin five minutes prior to the official 5K start time.
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Roosevelt Intermediate School, 301 Clark Street, Westfield, 07090, NJ, United States
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Greta's Run 5K & Memory Walk
