Run or Walk, Push or Roll! The Preston’s Playground 5K is for everyone: open to runners, walkers, physically challenged athletes and athletes with self-propelled wheelchairs, adapted bikes, racing chairs and strollers. All proceeds will be used to help build Preston’s Playground, an 8400 square foot adaptive playground to be built at the Reservoir in Newark, where all children will be able to play together.
The effort is helmed by Preston’s mother, Deb Buenaga; Preston has mitochondrial disease, which causes muscle weakness and developmental delays. The land for the playground site was donated by the City of Newark.
The 5K takes place on Saturday, April 2nd bright and early at the Christiana Mall, by Barnes & Noble; the course is 2 loops around the mall, nice and flat and fast. You can register online as an individual or as a team member, or sign up the day of from 7am-7:45am. Start time is at 8.
Pre-registered participants receive a t-shirt. Registration is $25 through March 31st, $30 after.
There will be refreshments at the after party as well as medals and awards by age group. Those who can’t run the 5k in person are invited to register as a virtual runner to participate anytime, anywhere and benefit Preston’s Playground.
The fundraising goal to make Preston’s Playground a reality is $350,000. (Note: according to the Preston’s Playground Facebook page, if over 500 participants register then Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, Inc. is cutting a $10,000 check!) The hope is start work on the playground this summer. You can learn more about the plans for the all-inclusive playground here.