09/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/06/2024 12:07
TRENTON, NJ (September 6, 2024)- New Jersey is continuing its race to America's 250th in 2026. RevolutionNJ, the state's official partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution to commemorate the Semiquincentennial, is hosting a series of 5K races and one-mile family fun walks at historic sites across New Jersey.
The inaugural event at Monmouth Battlefield State Park on August 10th drew dozens of runners and walkers from all walks of life. Participants not only toured the state park, but also enjoyed traveling exhibits from Monmouth 250 - Monmouth County's official commemoration committee for America's 250th - and the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music.
The second in the series will occur on September 8th at Princeton Battlefield State Park. Racers and walkers alike will traverse the site of a crucial turning-point in the American Revolutionary War which capped the 10 days of fighting that began with Washington crossing the Delaware River. All participants will receive a t-shirt and commemorative magnet, and runners will receive a finisher's medal. Awards will be given to the top three fastest runners in each ten-year age category.
In addition to the race, the reenactment group, Grenadier Company Brigade of Guards 1776-1783, will join the festivities to share more information about the site's past and a guided tour of the State Park will be offered by the Princeton Battlefield Society at 1pm.
"Our RevNJ Race Series is proving to be a fun way to enjoy New Jersey's wonderful parks and historical sites while learning about our shared past in preparation for 2026," says Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way who oversees the New Jersey Historical Commission in her role as New Jersey's Secretary of State.
Future 2024 race locations will include East Jersey Old Town Village on October 13th, and Historic Greenwich Township on November 9th. Those who complete in all four races will receive a special commemorative medal.
"The RevolutionNJ Race Series is one of the many ways that RevolutionNJ is fostering a multigenerational commemoration of the 250th," said Sara Cureton, executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. "There's a place for everyone in the festivities, whether they are an avid historian, recreational runner, or a family looking for ways to get outside on the weekend."
"Everyone's coming together to learn about our past and support community health and well-being," said Carrie Fellows, executive director of Crossroads of the American Revolution. "This type of creative historical events is vital to New Jersey's heritage tourism industry, but just as importantly, they are good fun."
Information on joining this and all RevNJ events statewide can be found at https://revnj.org/calendar.
About RevolutionNJ
RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. RevolutionNJ will advance the role that history plays in public discourse, community engagement, education, tourism, and scholarship in New Jersey. Through a series of initiatives that explore the history of the American Revolution, its context, and its legacy, RevolutionNJ will galvanize diverse audiences statewide into embracing the enduring value and relevance of history. Learn more at https://www.revnj.org/
Additional information on RevolutionNJ is available at https://revnj.org/press. Materials include