Jane Neely 5K

This year's 15th Annual race will be benefiting the Shaler Area Backpack Initiative.  T-shirt and race chip pick-up will begin at 7:45 AM.

The facilities at Kiwanis Park will be made available on race day.  The location of the park is off Wetzel Road in Shaler Township.  No dogs are allowed in the park.

Awards will be given to the overall male and female participants as well as the winning male and female in each of the following age groups: 8 and under, 9-14 years, 15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and 60+.

Donate a food item on Race Day!  In order to do all we can to help the students in our district, we would like to offer the opportunity to bring a food item on race day that can be donated to this program.  A list of suggested food items that can be donated is listed on the program’s website: http://www.sasd.k12.pa.us/BackpackInitiative.aspx

Keeping with previous traditions, the 5K course is fast, certified, and FLAT!  The 5K race will begin at the Shaler EMS building, loop along Little Pine Creek Road, and end uphill at Kiwanis Park’s baseball field between two hot air balloons (weather permitting).  Timing is being done by Runner's High and both the runners and walkers will start together.

The Jane Neely 5K began 15 years ago as a tribute to Jane. Jane Neely was diagnosed with postpastrum cardiomyopathy after the birth of her second son in 1985. She received a heart transplant in 1988 and began work as an ambassador for donation for the Center for Organ Recovery and Education.

Neely passed away in June 2005 due to complications from her second heart transplant in April of that year. Proceeds from the race its first year went to benefit the Center for Organ Recovery and Education. In recent years, the proceeds have benefited various community groups, most recently raising more than $2,000 for the Shaler Area Backpack Initiative.