On your mark, get set, go! The Seventh Annual Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run is set for Sunday, Sept. 17, at the JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road in Woodbridge.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. The free children’s obstacle course begins at 8:45 a.m., followed by the 5K and the two-mile Family Fit Walk at 9:30 a.m. Groups are encouraged to participate. The course starts in the back parking lot on the JCC campus, winds up through JCC Day Camps and into a beautiful residential Woodbridge neighborhood.

The Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run began in 2011 in honor of Murray Lender, who planned many events for communal organizations and causes over the years. Lender was a driving force in creating the 360 Amity Road campus for the JCC. While the rest of the world knows him and his brother Marvin for their bagels, the Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run pays homage to his generous spirit and love of community.

The Bagel Run committee begins planning for this annual event in January. Members gather every month to create a fun day for families and the community to help the JCC fitness center remain current. This year’s title sponsor is Titan Energy, national provider of maintenance and repair service for power generators, switches and uninterruptible power supplies.

The fun doesn’t end after the race with inflatable slides for kids, a DJ playing the hits and generous snack and refreshments tables. Food is donated by local bakeries, grocery stores, and from the kitchens of JCC members and staff. Licensed massage therapists are also there to help runners work out any kinks or tight muscles after the race.

Stick around to take photos with our mascot, Benny the Bagel, learn about upcoming JCC and community programming, and find out your race time. The awards ceremony is held at 10:30 a.m., when participants are awarded bagel medals. Register in advance at jccnh.org/registration-bagel-run for only $25 and receive a t-shirt, or register on the day of the race for $30. The kids’ obstacle course is free.

To become a sponsor, visit jccnh.org/sponsor-bagel-run. For more information, visit jccnh.org/bagel-run or contact JCC Fitness Director Susan Donovan at susand@jccnh.org or (203) 387-2424, x 265.