Westwood High School recently hosted their first annual Jersey Strong 5K run, raising $6,500 for the Westwood Regional School District Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.

The 5K, held on March 23 at Westwood High School, featured 260 runners and 65 walkers. Organized by Westwood science teacher Ms Jackson, the event charged a $25 registration fee to run ($15 for students) and a $10 registration fee to walk the mile. The turnout was much greater than Jackson ever expected it to be.

“Originally I expected the event to only raise around $3,000 and we definitely exceed that,” said Jackson.

Numerous members of the district volunteered their timeand effort to help organize the 5K. Goldberg’s Bagels, located in Westwood, donated bagels for those who paid to walk and run, while Westwood High School students designed t-shirts for the participants of the events. Members of Peer Pals, PTO, faculty, and the Board of Education all volunteered to help coordinate and direct the run.

Westwood Athletic Director, Trish Benevento mapped out the route of the 5K. The route included the entire Westwood High School campus and continued onto Presidents Road.

The funds raised by the 5K, collected for our district’s hurricane relief fund, will be given to anyone from the Westwood Regional School District who was affected by the storm.