Calling all runners, walkers, and families! Lace up your running shoes for a great cause. On Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 10 a.m., the Madison Area YMCA will host "The Mind Matters 5K: Mentally Healthy One Stride at a Time” and 1-mile family fun run/walk at the Y’s Family Center located at 111 Kings Road, Madison.   

Registration is open to all in our community. Register online today at www.madisonareaymca.org/5k, or in-person on race day from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Register before Friday, May 6, for the early bird rate ($27 for the 5K and $8 for the family fun run/walk). All children ages 7 and under are free for the fun run/walk. Packet pickup will be the Y’s Family Center on Friday, May 13, from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3 -6 p.m.  

Check-in and race day registration: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.; 5K Start: 10 a.m.; 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk: 10:05 a.m. (*immediately following 5K Start).  

The Madison Area YMCA's The Mind Matters 5K is an influential fundraising event for the Madison Area YMCA’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund enables hundreds of children and families to participate in Y membership, innovative programming, wellness initiatives and services including child care, early childhood education and summer camps at the Madison Area YMCA’s Family Center and the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA.  

Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA Director Christine McIntyre, LCSW, said, “There is no better way to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of stress than having fun in the sun! Research proves that running or engaging in other forms of physical activity such as The Mind Matters 5K, can decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress while also improving self-esteem, sleep patterns, and memory retention.”  

Development Director Melissa DeSalvo said, “We are excited to bring back The Mind Matters 5K this year! The race has been put on hold due to pandemic restrictions. This year's event focuses on bringing our Y members and community together in support of mental and physical health. Now, more than ever, mental health is at the forefront and the Y is committed to supporting our community today and in the future, mentally, emotionally, and physically.” 

As a mission-driven charitable organization, the Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, and improving the community’s health and well-being and giving back by providing support to our neighbors.  

For more information, contact Melissa DeSalvo, at 973-822-9622 x2248 or email mdesalvo@madisonymca.org. See you at the starting line!  

Highlighted programs:   

Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA 
Project Community Pride is a youth counseling program that has joined the Y as one of its community-based programs, is an important extension of youth development services for children, teens and their families throughout the Madison Area YMCA’s service area. The program was made possible through the collaboration of community leaders and the municipalities and school districts of the Chathams, Florham Park and Madison. 
 
Paths to Wellness 
The Madison Area YMCA offers enriching community wellness and health enhancing programs including LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a cancer survivors’ program; One Step, a multiple sclerosis program; Delay the DiseaseTM, a Parkinson’s disease wellness program; and Enhance®Fitness, an arthritis wellness program. The Y also has a range of youth sports, youth leadership programs, enrichment classes and adult fitness classes.  

Madison Chatham Coalition  

The Madison Chatham Coalition (MCC) is a community prevention organization funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Community members and partner organizations come together to address underage drinking and the illegal use of marijuana through the implementation of effective, evidence-based prevention initiatives. The Madison Chatham Coalition is funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy and is a collaborative partnership between Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. The Madison Area YMCA is a community partner and the fiscal agent of the Madison Chatham Coalition.