Waves of Education 5th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5k Brings Community Together in Clark, NJ

The morning of September 20, 2025, brought together 118 dedicated runners and supporters for the Waves of Education 5th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5k in Clark, New Jersey. This milestone fifth anniversary event showcased not only impressive athletic performances but also the power of community coming together to support educational initiatives that make a lasting difference in students' lives.

A Perfect Day for Racing in Clark, NJ

Participants gathered in Clark, NJ, ready to tackle the challenging 5K course that has become a favorite among local runners over the past five years. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as runners of all ages and abilities lined up at the start line, united by a common goal: running toward a better future for education in their community.

The event attracted a diverse field of 118 finishers, with 71 female participants, 46 male participants, and 1 non-binary athlete—a testament to the inclusive and welcoming nature of this annual tradition. From seasoned competitors chasing personal records to first-time 5K participants supporting a worthy cause, the race embodied the true spirit of community running.

Elite Performances Light Up the Leaderboard

The men's race delivered an absolutely thrilling finish that had spectators on their feet. Kenny Henderdon claimed the overall victory with an outstanding time of 17:17.44, demonstrating exceptional speed and endurance throughout the 3.1-mile course. Hot on his heels was Asher Greenbaum, who crossed the finish line just seconds later at 17:18.35, making this one of the closest races in the event's five-year history. The photo finish between these two talented athletes provided an exciting spectacle that exemplified competitive racing at its finest.

In the women's division, Domingo De Los Santos led the way with a strong performance, finishing in 29:38 and demonstrating the determination and perseverance that makes the running community so inspiring. These top finishers set the pace for what became a day of personal victories and collective celebration.

More Than Just Times: The Community Impact

While the competitive aspect of any 5K draws attention, the Waves of Education 5th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5k has always been about something bigger. This race serves as a crucial fundraiser for educational programs that directly benefit students in the community, providing resources, opportunities, and support that help shape brighter futures.

The strong turnout of 118 finishers demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting education through active participation. Each registration fee, each mile run, and each moment of encouragement along the course contributed to the mission of creating better educational opportunities. The gender diversity of participants—with women making up approximately 60% of the field—reflects the inclusive nature of the event and the broad community support for its mission.

Professional Race Timing Makes the Difference

Behind every successful race is a team of professionals ensuring accurate results and smooth operations. Tristate Timing was proud to provide professional race timing services for this milestone fifth anniversary event. Using state-of-the-art timing technology, our team ensured that every participant received accurate, reliable results from the moment they crossed the start line until their finish.

Professional race timing is essential for events of all sizes, from intimate community 5Ks like the Waves of Education run to large-scale marathons. Our services include:

• Chip timing technology for precise start-to-finish accuracy
• Real-time results posting so participants and spectators can follow the action
• Professional timing staff on-site to manage all technical aspects
• Seamless integration with RunSignup for easy results access
• Backup systems to ensure no runner's effort goes unrecorded

For the Waves of Education event, this professional approach meant that all 118 participants could immediately access their official times, compare their performance with previous years, and share their achievements with friends and family through the RunSignup results platform.

Celebrating Every Finisher

While the top finishers certainly earned their accolades, every single participant who toed the start line deserves recognition. Whether finishing in 17 minutes or 57 minutes, each runner contributed to the success of this community celebration. The 5K distance remains one of the most accessible race formats, welcoming everyone from elite runners to casual joggers, from experienced marathoners to those completing their very first organized race.

The strong female participation, with 71 women taking part, highlights the growing engagement of women in running events and the welcoming atmosphere that Waves of Education has cultivated over five years. This inclusive environment encourages participants of all backgrounds and abilities to challenge themselves while supporting a meaningful cause.

Looking Forward: Building on Five Years of Success

As the Waves of Education 5th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5k concludes another successful year, the event has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Clark, NJ, running calendar. The combination of competitive racing, community support, and educational mission creates something truly special—a race where every stride has purpose and every finish line celebration supports students in need.

The complete race results are available on RunSignup results, where participants can view detailed timing splits, age group rankings, and compare their performance with previous years. This easy access to comprehensive results is just one benefit of professional race timing services that enhance the participant experience.

Join the Movement: Future Races and Timing Services

Whether you're a race director planning your next event or a runner looking for your next challenge, Tristate Timing is here to support the running community. Our professional race timing services ensure that events of all sizes—from intimate 5Ks to major marathons—run smoothly and deliver the accurate results that participants deserve.

For race directors interested in professional timing services for upcoming events in New Jersey and the surrounding tristate area, contact Tristate Timing to learn how we can help make your race a success. Our experience with community events like the Waves of Education 5K, combined with our advanced technology and dedicated team, ensures that every runner's achievement is properly recognized and celebrated.

To the 118 finishers of the Waves of Education 5th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5k—congratulations on your accomplishment! Your participation made a difference in supporting educational initiatives while achieving personal goals. Here's to many more years of running toward a better future!

View Complete Race Results on RunSignup

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Tristate Timing is proud to provide professional race timing services throughout New Jersey and the tristate area. Contact us to learn how we can support your next racing event.