For over a decade, the Scotch Plains Fanwood PTA Council and the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA have partnered on their annual charity 5K, formerly called United for a Cause, to raise awareness and funds that support local health and wellness initiatives.

We have joined forces again this year to bring you our first Colors for Courage 5K and 1-mile fun run. The event is being held during Mental Health Awareness month to encourage and support those taking steps toward becoming healthier in spirit, mind, and body. During the event, participants will be spattered with colorful powder as they pass certain markers. There will be an option for those who wish to forgo the color powder.

Proceeds from the race will support a PTA Scholarship for a graduating senior entering the health and wellness field as well as YMCA initiatives that support mental health programs in the Y’s 7th Grade Initiative program and the Y’s LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program, a free program designed to help cancer survivors reclaim their physical health and mental well-being. Since the first annual 5K charity race, over 360 cancer survivors have completed the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program and over $15,000 has been awarded to high school students for their education in the health care field.

Together, we are making a difference in our community and bringing to light the importance of physical and mental health and well-being. The Y and the PTA are community partners with the Scotch Plains Mayor’s Wellness Campaign.