N.J. town to host 20th annual Miles for Matheny

Family-oriented activities will be held at Liberty Park in Peapack where the races start

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE -- Cycling enthusiast and friends of Matheny Medical and Educational Center are gearing up for the 20th annual Miles for Matheny walk, run and bicycle ride to take place Sunday at Peapack's Liberty Park.

Matheny, which serves children, teens and adults with special needs, holds the annual event to raise funds for the facility and bring awareness to special-needs patients.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. It'll include bicycle rides, the Lu Huggins Wheelchair Walk, a kids fun run and a one-mile fitness walk.

Other family-oriented activities will include a breakfast of champions, petting zoo, acrobatics and jugglers, the New York Red Bulls Street Team, bounce house, fire truck tours and free food, popcorn, ice cream and cotton candy, said Iveth Mosquera, director of marketing and public relations for Matheny.

"The Miles for Matheny not only gathers its patients and residents but it also brings the community together to celebrate people's abilities rather than focus on their disabilities," said Mosquera. "What is unique about Matheny is we give children and adults with disabilities the ability to lead a normal life. We encourage everyone to come to Miles for Matheny to celebrate with us."

The highlights of the day are five cycling routes designed by the Bedminster Flyers Cycling Club. The courses range from a 10-, 25-, 35-, 50-mile rides and the "Ride It If You Can" Hills of Attrition course, with its steep climbing hills, said Mosquera.

All cycling routes begin at Liberty Park, she said. On-site registration opens at 8 a.m. The Hills of Attrition and 50-mile rides start at 8:30 a.m.; 35 and 25-mile rides start at 9 a.m.; and the 10-mile ride takes off at 10 a.m., she said. 

Registered participants will receive a free T-Shirt. To register, create a team, or make a donation, go to www.milesformatheny.org. Onsite registration for cycling, fitness walk, wheelchair walk and kids fun run begins at 8:00 am on June 4.

All free activities begin at 10:00 am and end at noon. The Lu Huggins Wheelchair Walk starts at 12:15 p.m.
 
All proceeds from the event will benefit programs and services that enhance the lives of the children, teens, and adults served by Matheny, according to the organizers.

Sponsors of the event include the Poses Family Foundation,  Porzio, Bromberg & Newman P.C. and Mariner Wealth Advisors and Peapack-Gladstone Bank. For a list of sponsors, go to https://milesformatheny.org.