Greta's Run

Greta's Run 5k Run · Walk · Roll & Fundraiser for people with special & adaptive needs.

Greta's Run is organized in memory of Greta Schoenemann, a Westfield High School freshman who died from injuries sustained on the first anniversary of 9/11, when a tree fell on her during lunch. Her childhood friends, Jayne Ruotolo and Ben Nanna, founded Greta's Run in 2013, to continue the work Greta was already doing. In honor of Greta's sister Elise, who has cerebral palsy, all proceeds benefit

people with special and adaptive needs.

“The Westfield Public Schools join with the community in upholding the values of kindness and compassion that have become Greta’s legacy. The students, athletes and staff look forward to helping make Greta’s Run 2017 a success.” (Westfield School District Statement)

05/16/2026

TOMORROW IS THE DAY 💜

Tomorrow, thousands of people will come together for something so much bigger than a race.

We will run.
We will walk.
We will remember.
We will celebrate the lives and legacies of the people we love and miss every single day.

From the energy of the starting line, to the cheers along the course, to the Memory Walk signs surrounding Roosevelt Intermediate School, Greta’s Run is a reminder that no one has to grieve alone.

Because of this incredible community, Imagine can continue providing FREE grief support to children, teens, young adults, and families coping with loss.

Whether you are joining us for the 5K, the Kids Fun Run, or the Memory Walk — thank you for being part of this beautiful day of remembrance, hope, connection, and joy.

We are expecting our biggest Greta’s Run yet, and we cannot wait to see our community show up for one another tomorrow morning.

GRETA’S RUN RACE DAY CHECKLIST 💜 🏃‍♀️✨Before you head to Roosevelt Intermediate School tomorrow morning, here are a few ...
05/16/2026

GRETA’S RUN RACE DAY CHECKLIST 💜 🏃‍♀️✨

Before you head to Roosevelt Intermediate School tomorrow morning, here are a few helpful reminders to make your race day smooth and stress-free!

✔️ Arrive Early
Bib & T-Shirt Pick-Up and Registration open at 7:45 AM. We highly encourage everyone to arrive early, especially if you still need to pick up your bib. There will be on-site registration but it will be quicker and easier to do before you come!

✔️ 5K Starts at 9:00 AM
Please plan to be at the starting line a few minutes before the race begins!

✔️ Parking
Parking is available near the Westfield YMCA and the Westfield Train Station. Please allow extra time to walk over to Roosevelt Intermediate School.

✔️ Bring Your Friends & Family
There will be music, community partners, refreshments, kids activities, and so many opportunities to connect as a community.

✔️ Stay for the Lion’s Roar After Party 🦁
After the race, head over to Lion’s Roar Brewing Co. to continue the celebration with the Greta’s Run community! It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate an incredible morning together.

✔️ Prepare for an Emotional & Inspiring Morning
As you approach the final half mile of the 5K course, you’ll pass hundreds of Memory Walk signs honoring the loved ones our community is remembering and celebrating tomorrow. 💙

Most importantly — thank you for being part of Greta’s Run. Because of YOU, grieving children and families continue to receive free support, connection, and hope through Imagine.

We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow morning! ✨

05/15/2026

For 13 years, has brought our community together to honor loved ones, support grieving children and families, and ensure no child ever has to grieve alone. 💜

What started as a single race has grown into a powerful day of remembrance, connection, and hope — and now we’re just TWO DAYS away from this year’s run! 🏃‍♀️🐘

Join us THIS SUNDAY, May 17 and be part of this incredible tradition.
Register today: imaginenj.org/gretasrun

05/15/2026

As we head into Greta’s Run weekend, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for this incredible community. Every donation, every team page shared, every registration, and every act of support helps ensure that no child or family has to grieve alone.

This year, our goal is to raise $300,000 to expand Imagine’s free grief support programs and open additional Nights of Support for the growing number of families who need us.

There is still time to make an impact before race day. Whether it’s a $10 donation, sharing your fundraising page, or asking one more friend or family member to give — it all adds up in a powerful way.

💜 $2,000 provides one child with a year of grief support
💜 $5,000 provides one family with a year of grief support

On Sunday, we run and walk for the people we love and miss. Today, we fundraise to make sure grieving families continue to have a place to turn.

Let’s finish strong together. www.imaginenj.org/gretasrun

05/10/2026

🏃💜 Reminder: is just ONE WEEK AWAY!

Join us as we run, walk, and remember together in support of children, teens, and families who are grieving. We can’t wait to see our amazing community come together for this meaningful day.

Register today:
imaginenj.org/gretasrun

Don’t wait! Prices for all three Greta’s Run events go up THIS Saturday!Register now to take advantage of early bird pri...
05/05/2026

Don’t wait! Prices for all three Greta’s Run events go up THIS Saturday!
Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing before it’s gone! www.imaginenj.org/gretasrun

Shoutout to Lukin Center for Psychotherapy for their incredible support!
Catch them at the Mile 2 water station bringing the energy and cheering runners through their final stretch!

05/01/2026

It takes a village! Greta’s Run would not be possible without the support of 100+ incredible volunteers who help bring this day to life each year.

From cheering on runners to keeping the course safe, every role makes a difference.

✨ All volunteers receive a complimentary race t-shirt (exclusive to our volunteer team!)

Join us and be part of something truly meaningful.
👉 Sign up to volunteer today https://bit.ly/volunteerforgretasrun

2026 Greta's Run T-Shirt Reveal! Get yours when you register for the🏃‍♀️ 5K | 🧒 Kids Fun Run | 💜 Memory WalkOnly while ...
04/30/2026

2026 Greta's Run T-Shirt Reveal!
Get yours when you register for the
🏃‍♀️ 5K | 🧒 Kids Fun Run | 💜 Memory Walk
Only while supplies last!
Sign up today www.imaginenj.org/gretasrun

04/23/2026

💜 Thank You, JagPT! 💜

We’re so grateful to JagPT for supporting this year’s Greta’s Run and helping make the day even more meaningful for our community.

✨ Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s medal! ✨
Featuring a special symbol of remembrance—because elephants always remember. 🐘💜
All finishers will receive this gorgeous keepsake, honoring the love, strength, and memories we carry with us.

Join us, show up, and earn yours. 💜

🍋 Turn a simple act into something meaningful 💛Every year, Gabe honors his Aunt Greta in a powerful way—by running his o...
04/22/2026

🍋 Turn a simple act into something meaningful 💛

Every year, Gabe honors his Aunt Greta in a powerful way—by running his own lemonade stand to raise funds and awareness in her memory. This year, you can join him.

Create your own lemonade stand in honor of someone you love and be part of something bigger. Choose a time and place that works for you, gather your people, and make an impact—one cup at a time.

All funds raised support Imagine and the children and families we serve.

✨ Let’s come together, one lemonade stand at a time.

Get started: www.imaginenj.org/gretasrun

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Westfield, NJ

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