Help raise awareness for traffic safety with a workout at the Nikhil Badlani Foundation’s run and walk this weekend. 

The Badlani Foundation is looking to continue the momentum from August’s Traffic Safety Awareness Month with it’s Stop for Nikhil 5K Run/Walk on Sunday at the West Orange High School, said Race Director Lisa Renwick.

“I think the [race] could have a huge impact,” said Renwick, “but you have to walk the walk and talk the talk. ..“You have to lead by example. As parents, we have to have model behavior,” which means practicing safe driving habits such as not texting while driving. 

This is the second consecutive year the race will be held. The foundation was set up by West Orange residents Sunil and Sangeeta Badlani after their sixth-grade son, Nikhil, was killed in a motor vehicle accident in June 2011 in South Orange. 

“It’s our premier fundraiser,” said Renwick about the race, “and it’s a great way to get the community together and to honor and remember Nikhil.”

Last year there almost 700 adults, teenagers and children turned out for the race. The large attendance helped raise about $25,000 for the foundation, which funds music programs and scholarships for students in town. 

This year, participants can choose from a 3K walk or a 5K run through the neighborhood behind the high school. There will also be a course for children, and possibly activities. 

Renwick said she hopes more people will turn out on Sunday than last year. The foundation is also looking to grow its message by working with the high school to provide a traffic safety course in the future for parents and student.

Register for the race now by clicking here. The opening ceremony will begin on Sunday at 9 a.m., followed by the start of the 5K run at 9:30 a.m. and the 3K walk at 9:45 a.m.