Event Schedule

Check-in: 9:00 AM

1k Walk, Roll, Stroll Start: 9:30 AM

5k Run Start: 10:00 AM

Celebration & Awards Presentation: 11:00 AM

About the Event

The inaugural event, called the Sterbenz Run for Abilities, was created by Paul and James Sterbenz in 2020 as a response to the COVID pandemic and a desire to replace cancelled running events while raising needed funds for Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. Completing the 27 mile “marathon” from Alexandria Township to Lambertville, NJ on a sultry June morning, Paul and James crossed the finish line and successfully raised nearly $12,000! The Sterbenz Miles of Smiles was created in 2022 and expanded to include participants of all abilities- runners, walkers, rollers, strollers and even those with four legs!

How it Works

Register to run, walk, roll or stroll and create a fundraising page in support of our mission. Register BEFORE 09/16/2024 to guarantee a commemorative event t-shirt and goodie bag. Light refreshments will be provided. Friendly, four-legged participants are welcome to join. Costumes are encouraged! Gather with us after for a quick celebration and official awards presentation to recognize outstanding efforts of our participants and teams.

Awards will be presented for the following categories:

First Place Male
First Place Female
Largest Team
Best Dressed
Best Fundraiser
Best Smile
Best Costume
Best Effort

Individuals with disabilities and their family/staff are FREE to attend. Register by contacting us at info@abilitiesnw.com or (908) 689-1118

Course Certification

We're an official, USATF & World Athletics Certified course!

The Sterbenz Miles of Smiles 5k is an official, USATF-Certified (code NJ23046JLW) and World Athletics (USA-2023-209) certified course! Extending our course to utilize a portion of the Warren County Technical School and Warren County property nearby, one loop is exactly 2.5km. Runners will complete the loop twice and follow the alternative finish path. CLICK HERE to see the map of the course with details.