The course is certified and the race is sanctioned by the USATF. The course will be closed to traffic and police and volunteers will ensure the runners' safety and that all directions are followed.

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When and Where is the event?

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Verona Park in Essex County. - Bloomfield Ave and Lakeside Ave

5K

7:00am - Registration Opens

8:30am - 5K Begins

9:15am - Awards

WALK

8:30am - Registration Opens

9:30am - Opening Ceremony

10:00am - Walk Begins

11:00am - Awards Ceremony

KID SPRINT

8:30 – Registration Opens

9:00 – Kid Sprint

Where can I park?
• VERONA HIGH SCHOOL (+/- 200 Spaces) 151 Fairview Ave. Verona. NJ. Transportation from the parking lot to the park (round trip) will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• OUR LADY OF THE LAKE (+/-80 Spaces) 32 Lakeside Ave. Verona, NJ. Entrance to the parking lot is by Montrose Ave. Please use this parking lot only if you plan to arrive between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m. as the avenue will be closed for the race.
• MUNCIPAL park #1 (+/-130 Spaces – Use only designated spaces with parking meter) Park entrance is by Park Place (Opposite Lakeside Ave) in front of Verona Park.

Handicap Parking is available – please call The Valerie Fund to reserve.

Where do I go when I get to Verona Park? Proceed to the REGISTRATION tent and...

If you have already registered online, go directly to the "Pre-Registration" area where you can check in and receive a coupon for your Walk 2026 t-shirt. You can confirm the shirt size you requested at this time. Shirt pick-up will be at the T-SHIRT tent located across from the Registration area. Runners will also receive their racing bib if it was too late to be mailed. Now you're ready to enjoy food, music and festivities.
If you do not register online, before close at 11:00pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026, simply go to the "Same Day Registration" area on Saturday, June 6th to register and receive a t-shirt coupon and racing bib, if a runner. Pick-up your Walk 2026 t-shirt at the T-SHIRT tent and enjoy the festivities and food.

Can I check in other family members or friends?

With the exception of immediate family members, we would appreciate every one individually checking themselves in. This will avoid the confusion and miscommunication of picking up t-shirts for other team members. (See next FAQ for group pick up schedule)

Will there be an opportunity to pick up my t-shirt before the Walk and 5K Run?

Yes, during the week of June 1st, t-shirt pick up will be available at The Valerie Fund office at 2101 Millburn Avenue in Maplewood. Individuals and/or Team Captains can pick up shirts for themselves or their entire team. A schedule of pick up times will be made available in May. Team Captains: If you are picking up your team's t-shirts, please let us know in advance.

Can I make my own shirt?

All participants will receive a free Valerie Fund t-shirt, but teams are welcome to design and create their own t-shirts.

What is the distance of the walk?
1.2 Miles

What is the distance of the race?
3.1 Miles or 5K

Can I take a stroller?
Yes, the park can accommodate strollers, however, if you are participating in the race with a stroller, we ask you line up at the back of the pack. This will not affect your time as the timer only starts when you cross the starting line.

For safety, In line skates, skateboards and bicycles are not permitted on the Walk or Race courses.

Can I take my dog to the park?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the park but are not allowed on buses carrying passengers between the parking lot and the park.

Will photographs be available? Valerie Fund photographers will be at the Park documenting the day and photos will be posted on the website's Media Gallery shortly after the event. Captains will be sent team photos.

If it rains, will events be canceled?
No, this event will be held rain or shine. In case of rain, there will be ponchos available for use.

How can I become a sponsor?
Please visit our sponsor page to review all sponsorship levels https://thevaleriefund.org/Walk2026/aboutSponsors.php and for further information contact

Bunny Flanders, Director of Marketing and Communications by email at: [email protected] or call 973.761.0422