The St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners’ Thomas A. Haltigan Memorial Pro-Life 5K returns on Sunday, Oct. 25, with a new chapter in its history as a professionally timed, competitive cross-country race to be held at Central Park of Morris County in Morris Plains, N.J.
Participants in the Pro-Life 5K can compete for top finisher honors, with special awards recognizing the Overall Male and Overall Female Winners. The excitement extends well beyond the competition, as runners, joggers, walkers, and families of all ages and abilities come together for a spirited, faith-filled celebration of life.
The Pro-Life 5K raises vital funds for the St. John Paul II Respect Life Ministry at St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J., which is hosting the event. The ministry provides practical, material, financial, and spiritual assistance to women facing crisis pregnancies, mothers, babies, and families in need.
Once again, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, a steadfast advocate for the sanctity of human life, will lead opening prayers and deliver remarks.
“This year, we’re thrilled to take our Pro-Life 5K to new heights with a professionally timed race that welcomes serious competitors alongside recreational runners, joggers, walkers and families,” said John Byrne, leader of St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners. “At its heart, this is a celebration of life, faith and family, affirming the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death,” he said.
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The Pro-Life 5 K also honors the memory of the late Thomas A. Haltigan, an original member of St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners and a dedicated champion of the pro-life cause, whose commitment to faith, service, and the protection of human life continues to inspire this cherished celebration.
First launched in 2013, the long-running Pro-Life 5K was traditionally held as a non-timed event through the streets of Morristown, with Assumption providing its facilities before its move to Central Park.
St. John Paul II Respect Life Ministry, supported by five area parishes, works closely with pro-life organizations and shelters, providing essential assistance ranging from food and clothing to shelter support and other necessities.
St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners is an affiliate of the St. John Paul II Respect Life Ministry and part of the nationwide LIFE Runners organization, recognized as the world’s largest pro-life running and walking team, with more than 25,000 members across 53 nations united in running, walking, and praying for an end to abortion.
Participants should arrive on Sunday, Oct. 25, by 2:30 p.m. to sign in for the Pro-Life 5 K, which begins immediately after the prayer gathering. Parking is located at North Cottage Street and other spots nearby.
Registration is $35 for adults in advance and $40 on race day, and $32 for youth (ages up to 18) in advance and $35 on race day. Register online.
For further information, call John Byrne at 973-529-4699 or email him at jaidanbyrne@optonline.net.
