The 40th Anniversary Rubin Run is a community-wide celebration supporting individuals with disabilities at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. This hybrid fundraising event will kick-off with an two on-site 5Ks (one for runners who can complete the course in 25 minutes or less and another for all abilities) as well as a 1 Mile Kids Fun Run/Family Health Walk (for children ages 12 and under) at the JCC on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 9. The Rubin Run will continue until Sunday, May 16 with virtual activities including a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and a new 40 Mile Challenge. While there are space limitations associated with our on-site events, virtual activities can be run (or walked) from any location you choose, on any day(s) you choose between Sunday, May 9 - Sunday, May 16. You can run, jog, or or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself.
The Rubin Run is more than just a race! It is an opportunity to honor a loved one who has been diagnosed with a developmental disability or autism, to help children, teens and adults with disabilities who will benefit from the JCC’s amazing programs and services and for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to come together and celebrate our differences. Funds raised help the JCC to provide social, recreational, cultural and educational experiences for individuals in our community with disabilities, which improve their quality of life and allow them to reach their highest potential.
For virtual runners: Starting Mother's Day, Sunday May 9 through Sunday, May 16, record a single run or walk activity on STRAVA (or whatever fitness app you choose) that is at least: 5km long if you're completing the 5K, 10km long if you're completing the 10K; or, 21.1km (13.1 miles) long if you're completing Half Marathon. For those runners participating in the 40 Mile Challenge, you may complete your miles however you’d like—all in one day or over separate days during the week that meet the 40 Mile Distance goal. Manually log your miles using OneCause (under "Complete Activities"), or by connecting your participant page to your STRAVA app to have them load automatically. You must link your STRAVA app to your participant prior to starting your run/walk/bike activity to take advantage of this functionality.
For on-site runners: Participation in our on-site events (both 5Ks & the Kids Fun Run) is limited to ensure adequate space for social distancing. When registering please select the race that makes the most sense for you and your fitness level. The 25 minute or less 5K will start at 8am, the All Abilities 5K will start at 10am, and the 1 mile Kids Fun Run/Family Health Walk will start at 11am. As a reminder to 5K runners, this race will be self-timed. You'll be expected to track your times using a fitness app. We recommend using STRAVA, but any fitness app will do. Manually log your miles using OneCause (under "Complete Activities"), or by connecting your participant page to the Strava app prior to your race's start time to have them load automatically.
Whether your participating in-person or virtually, it is up to you to keep track your times and distances. Results must be submitted by May 16 to be included in the official race results. Trophies will be awarded to top finishers based on the results submitted.
For more information on what you need to know when you arrive, please click here.
The Rubin Run is a non-competitive, family friendly event. We encourage everyone to participate regardless of their fitness level. We will be awarding trophies for top finishers in each race. 5K participants will be awarded based on the top finishers in each age group. The race is SELF-TIMED. To be included in the race results, you will need to time yourself and submit them on your participant page. You can manually log your miles using OneCause (under "Complete Activities") or by connecting the free STRAVA app to your participant page prior to completing your race. All results must be submitted by Sunday, May 16th to be included in official race results.
The on-site 5K for All Abilities and the 40 Mile Challenge, where you can push yourself to complete 40 Miles in one week, are great for those who want to get in the spirit of this community-wide event and push themselves to meet a personal goal. Whether you participate on-site or virtually, registrants will have the opportunity to earn points for completing activities. The top point earners will receive a prize!
Completing activities is all based on the honor system. We trust you when you say that you completed a race or challenge. That is the fun of this event - get out, do the challenges and have fun. If you want to see compare your results to other runners in real time, check out one of our STRAVA Run Clubs. To join, open the app and search for Rubin Run under Explore >> Clubs.
Kids Fun Run participants are not expected to time themselves at the event. JCC staff will time the race and recognize the top three male and female winners. All participants will receive a medal for their participation.
How do I earn points?
By completing activities! Once you complete your registration, you’ll see an option to “complete activities.” All of these earn you points, including:
You’ll also earn points by:
To register online, click/tap the “Register” button on our race page at https://jccotp.org/rubinrun or select “Register” from top right corner of the navigation bar. Next, complete the registration form by entering your participant information and you’re ready to get started! Race Day registration for the on-site 5Ks and Kids Fun Run/Family Health Walk will not be available. Space for these races are extremely limited so we strongly suggest registering for those events as soon as possible.
Registering by May 1, 2021 allows you to gain access to Early Bird Pricing for the in-person 5K races. Use the discount code EARLYBIRD to take advantage of this limited time offer.
The registration fees go towards supporting our goal of improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities in our community. It also helps offset the costs of event related expenses. Registration fees are as follows:
On-Site - 5K’s (25-Minutes or Less and For All Abilities): $45
On-Site - Kids Fun Run/Family Health Walk: $10
Virtual - 5K/10K/Half Marathon/40 Mile Challenge: $36
No, fundraising is not required to participate, but it is encouraged and we promise to make it as easy as possible for you. Check out our Rubin Run Fundraising toolkit for some tips on easy ways to raise funds, like making an ask on social media.
To log your miles and submit your results, you will first need to track your times using a run tracking app. We recommend use the free STRAVA app (click here for a tutorial on how to download) and link it to your participant page. Once your account is linked to STRAVA, it will automatically record any distances and times you log during the week of the event (Sunday, May 9- Sunday, May 16). For 5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon runners, we ask that you complete a single walk/run activity for the corresponding distance you'd like to complete. Please note: You will not be prompted to link your STRAVA account until the race kicks off on May 9th or until you complete an additional fitness activity. You can access additional fitness activities (such as a 5K Practice Run) under "Complete Activities."
If you prefer to use a different run tracking app, you can also input your distances/times manually through your personal participant page. Once in “Manage Page Mode,” select Complete your Race and select the event you would like to participate in (5K, 10K, ½ Marathon or 40 Mile Challenge). Next, enter the activity details (Goal, Title, Type, Time, Distance and Date/Time Complete) and click the Blue Save button. Click here for instructions on how to submit your results>>
Kids Fun Run participants are not expected to time themselves at the event. JCC staff will time the race and award winners in each category.
Any fitness activities that you log before May 9th will not be counted in the official race results. Race results will be posted on our website's Race Results page after Monday, May 17th. Remember that the results are based on the honor system. We trust you when you say that you completed a race at the pace provided. If you want to see how you stack up in Real Time, then consider joining the Rubin Run Clubs associated with your race on STRAVA.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to give out free t-shirts for this year's Rubin Run. We understand that this differs from past Rubin Run races, but circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have forced us to reduce our event expenses to ensure that event proceeds can support programs and services for individuals with disabilities.
Limited parking for the Rubin Run will be available in the main parking lot of the JCC at 411 E. Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ. We advise that JCC members and Rubin Run participants to find lawful on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. The JCC will not be offering Satellite parking with a Shuttle Service this year.
Please DO NOT PARK at the St. John Theologian Greek Church for Rubin Run.
Packet pick-up will be available at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades on Friday, May 7, 9am-5pm. Event day packet pick up starts 30 minutes prior to the start of each race.
Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome for the on-site 5K. All walk routes are accessible. However, for everyone’s safety, bicycles, inline skates, wheelie footwear, skateboards and scooters are not allowed for either of the on-site 5K's or the Kids Fun Run/Family Health Walk.
If you’re participating virtually, you will only be able to log a walk or run for the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon races. If you're participating in the 40 mile challenge, how you participate is totally up to you. Scooters, bicycles, treadmills, and stationary bikes– everything but driving a motorized vehicle counts! Just remember to log the distance by May 16th to be counted in race results.
For more information about preparing your loved one for the race, please contact our Director of Special Services, Shelley Levy, by phone at (201) 408-1489 or by email at slevy@jccotp.org.
While we encourage you to include your furry friends when participating in our virtual race, only service dogs are allowed at the JCC for the on-site Rubin Run. Please leave your pets at home unless you have a service dog.
For Virtual Participants: Please do not run on unsafe roads, or areas that have been closed off to the public. Practice social distancing and any other requirements set forth by local, state and federal guidelines.
For On-Site Participants: We have limited capacity for both 5K races and the Kids Fun Run/Family Health Walk to ensure adequate space for social distancing. Each 5K race will have a capacity of 200 runners and the Kids Fun Run will have a capacity of 100 runners.
8:00am: 5K Run - Runners who can complete the course in 25 minutes
10:00am: 5K Walk/Run - All Abilities Welcome
11:00am: 1 Mile Kids Fun Run/Family Health Walk - Children 12 and under and their supporting family members. This event takes place completely on the JCC campus and includes both grass and concrete surfaces. Children are encouraged and welcomed to wear a superhero costume while participating.
Remember space is limited so if you're registering as a team, make sure all team members complete registration while there is still space available.
Please arrive as close to your designated Check-In/Packet Pick-Up window to limit interactions between events. To further avoid lines on the day of the event, please consider picking up your race packet in advance.
Socially Distanced Race Start: Runners will be asked to line up no more than 10 minutes prior to race start and try to remain socially distance at the start line.
Face Coverings: Runners are required to wear face coverings while on the JCC campus. Runners must wear face coverings at the start and finish lines as well as on the course when unable to maintain a safe distance from others.
Health Screenings: We will be closely monitoring all CDC and NJ State guidelines to determine best safety practices. This will include onsite temperature screening.
Healthy Hands Stations: Hand sanitizer available at all entrances and throughout JCC campus.
Additional Face Covering Safety Requirements
Per New Jersey State guidelines, face coverings are mandatory for individuals age two and up.
In addition:
All spectators and staff must keep masks on throughout the event.
Runners are required to wear face coverings while on the JCC campus (start and finish line) as well as on the course when unable to maintain a safe distance from others.
Athletes are recommended to wear cloth face coverings or face coverings made of moisture-wicking material.
For more health and safety protocols visit our Event Information page.
The on-site Rubin Run is rain or shine unless a natural weather emergency occurs.
The JCC is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment that is warm and welcoming to ALL. Each year, we provide critical programs and services to individuals, from early childhood to adulthood, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, neurological and cognitive impairments, communication and language differences and physical challenges. Through support from special events like the Rubin Run, the JCC is able to provide opportunities that increase an individual’s independent living, self-help and social and communication skills, as well as on improve overall health, wellness and quality of life through sports, recreation, art, music and equine therapy, and educational curriculum such as technology. The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law.
There are several easy ways to donate:
Donate online via our Race Page: jccotp.org/rubinrun and select “Donate”
If you are making your donation on behalf of a specific team or individual participant, you can donate online via their fundraising page or by going to the Rubin Run donate page and when prompted enter the Fundraiser Name or Team you wish to support.
Donations also can be made via mail. Please make checks payable to Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and mail to:
Attn: Rubin Run, Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Taub Campus, 411 E. Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
*If you’re making a donation in honor of a Fundraiser or Team, please be sure to enclose a note that the donation is on their behalf Donations can also be made by phone by calling Fran Koszer at (201) 408-1404
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL
When a donor gives online, they will receive an automatic thank you letter that can be used as a receipt. All other acknowledgment letters will be mailed after the event.
Make sure your donors know that they need to be on your fundraising page when they make a donation online for it to be credited to your fundraising efforts. If they are unable to donate online, please have them mail a check to the JCC and include a note letting us know that the donation is being made on your behalf and includes your team name, if applicable.
If someone donates to your fundraiser and you weren’t credited for the donation, please contact us at development@jccotp.org to have your donation properly attributed. In order to assign proper credit to your personal fundraising page you must be registered online as a participant or fundraiser for the event.
If you have multiple friends and family who would like to make donations offline, and you would like to turn in all at once please be as specific as possible as to how the donations should be credited. The more information you provide the faster we can process your donations.
We’re so grateful for your fundraising efforts and sorry we will miss you at the Rubin Run this year. Please be assured all donations go towards mission-based programming for individuals with disabilities at the JCC.
All donations are tax-deductible in the same calendar year your donation was processed to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine what deductions you are eligible for.
Yes! If you're unable to participate in the fitness aspects of the event, but still want to make an impact by raising funds for programs and services at the JCC for individuals with disabilities, feel free to register for the race and select the registration type "Just Fundraise."
Teams are made up of family, friends and/or coworkers all fundraising and participating together under one team name.
Starting a team is easy. Register your team today by visiting the race website and selecting the “Register” button. Then under “Start a New Team”, enter your team name in the text field and then click the “Start Team” button. As the first of your team to register, you will be the team Captain. You may register others to your team as long as you can provide their personal (unique) email addresses for each member of the team.
If you don’t have your team members information, then they can sign up on their own by clicking the “Register” button on the main page and entering your name or the team name under “Join an Existing Team”.
Once you register, set a goal for how much you want to raise - then start asking! Encourage all your team members to help meet your team goal.
We recommend that a team consist of 10-12 people who raise a minimum of $180 per person. But we leave the size of your team up to you!
Companies can participate by becoming a corporate sponsor, organizing teams of employees to raise funds and run or by volunteering for our on-site events on May 9th. For more information, please contact rubinrun@jccotp.org.
No. Team participation is encouraged among families and friends as well.
Corporate donations are encouraged, but not required. The majority of contributions will be generated by your individual team members. However, corporate matching gifts can enhance employee fundraising efforts. Talk to your human resource representative for more information about employee matching gift programs.
Your participant page will automatically be created for you once you have completed your Rubin Run registration. This is where you can use the built-in tools to recruit others, ask for donations and share updates directly through social media and email. This is also where you'll select the race you’d like to complete and link your STRAVA account. Everything you do on your participant page will automatically be tracked so you can earn points.
The JCC provides team captains and participants online tools to help support their fundraising efforts. These tools can be found here.
When you are in 'Manage my Page' mode, you can edit details about your participant page, invite others to join, ask for donations, thank donors and complete activities. There are a few different ways you can access 'Manage my Page' mode:
1. Log into the site using your social account or email and password.
2. Hover over your name in the top right of the page to see your drop-down menu.
3. Click on "Manage my Page."
OR
To make it even easier to access your page, you can text yourself a link to your page. When you go to 'Manage my Page' mode you will see a popup to text yourself a link to your participant page on the left-hand side of the page.
You can easily link or unlink your social accounts on your User Profile. First, login on the site and go to your Participant Page and then click on the 'Edit my Profile' button below your profile photo. Next, Link or Unlink your social accounts on your User Profile. When you land on your User Profile screen, you'll see buttons for linking/unlinking your Social Accounts. If the button displays that the social account is linked, you can click on it again to unlink it. If the button displays that the social account is unlinked, you can click on it to link it. You'll be prompted to give our platform permission to link to your social account.
Go to the "Complete Activities" button on the homepage or login and enter “Manage My Page” mode and select complete additional activities. Select “ADD PHOTOS OR VIDEOS TO YOUR PAGE” and then upload a photo or video from your computer or social media.
To email current or potential donors you can send an email from your email account and include your unique participant (or team) link in the body of the email. You can also email current/potential donors right from your participant page. In “Manage My Page” mode, select Fundraising and then click on the tab to “ASK YOUR FRIENDS.” From here you can decide to send an email, text, or post on social media.
To send thank you emails to donors, you can send an email from your email account or you can also thank them right from your participate page. In “Manage My Page” mode, select Fundraising and then click on the tab to “THANK YOU DONORS.” From here you can decide to send a thank you email, text, or post on social media.
At this time, the JCC is unable to provide credit for donations made through Facebook fundraising. We suggest that you share the link to your participant page when posting on Facebook instead.