Love running? Want to help make a difference? Join Party With Purpose on July 12 for their annual Hoboken 5k to help raise money for local children-related charities. With over 1500 runners participating last year, this year expects to be even larger and more eventful.

Party With Purpose is a non-profit organization, promoting events and charitable causes with proceeds that go directly to a selected charity. The 7th annual 5k race is aimed to bring the community together, from beginner and advanced runners to families and children.

What started seven years ago as a 300-runner race has now grown to over 1,500 participants. Last year close to $50,000 was raised for the Jubilee Center and Boys & Girls Club. This year looks to raise even more money to support these two charities.

Party With Purpose is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family, with games for the kids starting at 3:30pm followed by the Kids’ Fun Run at 4:30pm. The children can enjoy a party just for them afterwards with games and other fun activities. The adults take their turn in the spotlight at 7pm when they gear up to run the 5K. Following the 5K is an awards ceremony honoring the top three male and female runners along with the top three male and female runners in each age group.

Attend the After Party at 8pm along Pier A between 5th and 6th Street across from Sinatra Park. With the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop for the After Party you’ll be sure to have a great time rocking out to New Jersey based band New Tricks while enjoying food and drinks.

Remember that Party With Purpose is raising money for the Jubilee Center and Boys & Girls Club- all you have to do is ask people you know to pledge per K. $2 is the recommended donation per person (totaling $10), but any pledge helps make a difference.

Registration on-site opens at 5:30; however, early registration is highly recommended since last year’s run sold out and goody bags and t-shirts are limited. Before July 1st registration is $25; after July 1st registration goes up to $30. Runners are also welcome to form teams, so get creative and form a team with your family, co-workers or friends and help raise money for a good cause!

Photos from 2010 PWP 5K Courtesy of Andrea Sweeney