5th Strides for Safety 5K: Jersey City Runners Unite Against Gun Violence

On a crisp Saturday morning next month, hundreds of sneakers will hit the pavement of Lincoln Park. Some will sprint. Some will jog. Some will walk with strollers or hold hands with grandparents. But every single person will be moving for the same reason: to take a stand against gun violence.

That’s the scene County Executive Craig Guy is hoping for at the 5th Annual Strides for Safety 5K, set for Saturday, September 19th. Registration is open now, and Guy is making a direct pitch to Hudson County residents: come out, be counted, and be part of something bigger than a race.

A race with a purpose

The Strides for Safety 5K isn’t just your average Sunday fun run. It features a USATF-certified course that winds through Lincoln Park in Jersey City — a route that’s officially recognized by track and field standards, meaning serious runners can use it to chase personal records. But the event is built for everyone, from seasoned athletes to families with kids.

After the finish line, the real celebration begins. The After Party BBQ will feature an awards ceremony, live music, family-friendly activities, and booths run by local public safety organizations. Health-focused vendors will be on hand with wellness resources — think yoga classes, smoothies, and even massages. It’s a block-party vibe with a serious mission.

Five years of showing up

This year marks a milestone: the fifth time Hudson County has come together for this specific cause. Five years might not sound like a long time, but for a community initiative, it’s the difference between a one-off event and a tradition. It means the partnerships are real. The conversations have continued. The commitment hasn’t faded.

Guy, who has made public safety a cornerstone of his administration, put it plainly in a statement. “Reaching this five-year milestone is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to raising awareness, encouraging meaningful conversations, and working together to prevent gun violence,” he said.

The event was originally launched as a way to honor victims of gun violence, support survivors, and give residents a tangible way to push for change. Over the years, it has grown into something more — a yearly gathering where neighbors see each other, kids make memories, and local leaders listen.

What this means for your family

If you’ve ever felt helpless watching the news — another city, another tragedy — this is the opposite of that feeling. This is a chance to do something concrete, right here in Hudson County. You don’t need to be a politician or an activist to participate. You just need to show up.

The registration fee is manageable, and the experience is designed for all ages. Whether your kid wants to run the whole mile or your grandmother wants to stroll the course with a group of friends, there’s a place for them. The after-party alone is worth the trip, especially if you’re looking for a low-key Saturday activity that isn’t just sitting in front of a screen.

What people are saying

Guy’s enthusiasm is hard to miss. “This annual event inspires action and helps create lasting positive change, bringing residents, families, community partners, and local leaders together with a common goal: creating safer communities for everyone, especially our youth,” he said in the announcement. “We all must work together to end gun violence, and I encourage residents to register today, bring their families, and join us in standing together for a safer Hudson County.”

There’s no opposing viewpoint being offered here — this is an invitation, not a debate. But the event itself is a statement: whatever your politics, the desire for safer streets is shared across the county.

What comes next

Registration closes on September 19th — race day itself — so there’s plenty of time, but don’t wait until the last minute. You can sign up online, and more details are available on the county’s official event page. If you’re not a runner, consider volunteering or just coming out to cheer. The energy alone is worth it.

This is the kind of story that doesn’t make front pages. It’s a quiet, determined community gathering that happens because people believe showing up matters. And in Hudson County, that belief is strong.