Repeat Champions at Grace-In-Motion's 11th Annual Run for the Kids 5k/2k

Event Overview

The 2024 Grace In Motion 5K took place on a beautiful autumn morning, October 12th, at the scenic Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee, NJ. This year’s event was marked by perfect weather, enthusiastic participants, and an inspiring partnership with FOREFRONT Charity. All proceeds from the race will go towards supporting the FOREFRONT School in Kolluru, India, making the race more meaningful as it combined fitness with a global cause.

Race Course

It was an ideal day for racing, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60s at the start. The cool, crisp air and light breeze made for near-perfect conditions, helping runners push for fast times. The race began promptly at 10:15 AM, with runners eager to take advantage of the scenic course along the Hudson River.

With sweeping views of the Palisades cliffs and the George Washington Bridge, the course offered a scenic and challenging route. Starting and finishing at the Ross Dock Picnic Area, the course was picturesque but hilly, beginning with a significant incline, but returned with a generous downhill to help athletes in the later stages of the race. Well-stocked water stations and enthusiastic volunteers provided support throughout the course, ensuring everyone stayed energized and motivated.

Notable Participants and Repeat Champions

This year’s race featured two defending champions who once again claimed victory. Kevin Lee, the men's winner in 2023, successfully defended his title with a time of 18:50; faster than his previous year's result. His consistent training and familiarity with the course clearly paid off, and he was cheered on by supporters who recognized him from last year’s triumph.

Women's overall winner Eleanor Jang at the Grace-In-Motion's 11th Annual Run for the Kids 5k/2k timed by affordable race timing company Rock Race Timing — Women's overall winner Eleanor Jang

On the women’s side, Eleanor Jang also repeated as the champion, crossing the finish line in 21:05. Eleanor, once again dominated the field and earned a commanding victory, with Kara VanDooijeweert crossing the line in second place.

Post-Race Festivities

After the race, participants gathered for refreshments, with fresh fruit, granola bars, and drinks available to all finishers. Sponsor booths were set up around the finish line, offering fun giveaways and samples. The race concluded with an awards ceremony at 11:00 AM, where medals were presented to the top overall finishers.

In addition to celebrating individual performances, the post-race atmosphere was particularly inspiring as the focus shifted to the charitable impact of the event. Grace In Motion partnered with FOREFRONT Charity for the 2024 race, and all proceeds from the event will be directed to supporting the FOREFRONT School in Kolluru, India, an initiative that helps provide education and opportunities to children in underserved areas. Representatives from FOREFRONT spoke after the race, sharing stories of the positive impact the school is having on the community in India.

Conclusion

The 2024 Grace In Motion 5K was an outstanding success, combining perfect race conditions, repeat champions, and a global charitable cause. Kevin Lee and Eleanor Jang’s successful title defenses added a competitive edge to the day, while the partnership with FOREFRONT Charity gave the event an even greater sense of purpose. The race was a reminder of the power of community, both local and global, and left participants looking forward to next year’s event.