The Great Inflatable Race returns to Union May 12. Proceeds from the event, sponsored by PSEG and the Township of Union, will benefit Union High School’s Project Graduation.
UNION, NJ — Runners will have a chance to bounce their way to the finish line and raise money for local high schoolers Saturday, May 12, with a unique — and buoyant — race.
The Great Inflatable Race is set to come to Union High School and Rabkin Park, with the first run kicking off at 9 a.m. A portion of the proceeds will go to the high school’s Project Graduation, a drug and alcohol-free annual celebration for seniors on graduation night.
“We are excited to be working with the township of Union and Carr Marketing and Associates for the second year to put on a great event for our community that benefits our Union High School seniors at the same time,” Cheryl Fiske, a Project Graduation adviser, said.
The races end at 11 a.m., then nine food trucks will be onsite until 5 p.m. All proceeds from the food trucks will go to the fundraiser. Food trucks include the Empanada Guy, House of Cupcakes and The Lab, which serves Asian barbecue fusion food.
Race participants will navigate through about eight inflatable structures that feature slides, obstacles and walls. And there will be live entertainment at the event, too.
Racers are encouraged to run in teams, and the group with the most members will be deemed the “top team” the week of the race. The top team will get extra perks on race day, including a cooling-off tent.
This will be the fourth year to feature Project Graduation, and each year the venue is a surprise to students, Fiske said. This year’s program will take place Friday, June 22.
“Project Graduation this year includes a DJ, dancing, a basketball court, a pool, lots of food, games, and other activities that are sure to have our seniors entertained from start to finish,” Fiske said.
Funding for Project Graduation is made possible through senior dues, small fundraisers throughout the school year and fashion shows. The program also receives a yearly donation from the Union High School Parent Teacher Association.
Registration for the Great Inflatable Race is $29.99 for a regular ticket, which includes a T-shirt, wristband, temporary tattoo and race medal. VIP tickets are $49.99 and includes all the same items, plus an additional sweatband, fanny pack, and admission to the Inflatable Village and food truck festival. Register for the race online at thegreatinflatablerace.com/Union-Township. For those who only wish to attend the food truck festival, there is a $5 fee.
This year’s event is being sponsored by PSEG, MLB Residential Lending, The Ave and Connect One Bank, among other businesses.