Schvitz for Scholarship 5K Run/Walk and Little Schvitzer's Dash

Join us on Sunday, October 18, 2026, for JCC Greater Boston's second annual Schvitz for Scholarship 5K Run/Walk and Little Schvitzers Dash! All ages and abilities are welcome. Bring your family and friends and join us in supporting Camp, Early Learning Center, and Discovery Club scholarships. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Whether you're a long-time runner, social walker, or just looking for an excuse to get outside and move, Schvitz for Scholarship is a great opportunity to turn your average Sunday into a lasting impact! The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9:30 AM at 90 Wells Avenue. The course consists of approximately three loops around Wells Avenue. If you have specific questions about the race course, please contact Todd Helmbrecht, Director of Wellness, at thelmbrecht@jccgb.org.

We're excited to welcome our youngest participants to the Little Schvitzer's Dash! Children ages 8 and under (accompanied by an adult) are invited to kick off the morning with an energizing warm-up featuring games and music, led by Broadway Dancer and Fitness Coach Dave Heard, and followed by a 400-meter dash. All little schvitzers will receive a medal to celebrate their hard work! The Little Schvitzer's Dash will take place before the 5K Run/Walk at 8:45 AM, giving families with older children and adult participants a chance to cheer on their little schvitzers before the main race begins. After the dash, little schvitzers are welcome to hop in a stroller or continue walking or running alongside their families in the 5K! 

The Schvitz for Scholarship 5K Run/Walk and Little Schvitzer's Dash is open to all. Sensory accommodations will be available at the event including sensory bags with headphones and a designated quieter area. Social narrative available soon. If you or a family member needs accommodations to participate or you have any questions about accessibility, please contact inclusion@jccgb.org. Please contact us by September 25th to request accommodations.

Fundraising: The fundraising minimum is $108 for participants under 39 and $180 for participants ages 40 and older. Fundraising is encouraged, but not required, for children and teens. We suggest a fundraising goal of $72 for youth participants.

• $18 adds a new book to an Early Learning Center or Discovery Club classroom
• $54 provides a child with a year-long PJ Library subscription, delivering free monthly Jewish books to children ages 0–12
• $180 brings an enrichment specialist experience, such as music, yoga, or art, to our Early Learning Center and Discovery Club classrooms
• $750 supports professional development opportunities that equip teachers with best practices across all three Early Learning Centers
• $1,200 covers the average summer scholarship awarded to a Camp Grossman camper
• $2,000 represents the average annual scholarship provided to a student at one of our Early Learning Centers
• $5,200 makes an 8-week summer Camp Grossman scholarship possible for a camper
• $10,000 provides scholarship support for four Discovery Club participants

The more you fundraise, the more you earn!

• Adults
  • $360+ - JCC Swag
  • $720+ - JCC Experience (Personal Training Session or Sports Lesson)
• Children and Teens:
  • $72+ - JCC Swag
  • $360+ - Starbucks Gift card 

Volunteer Opportunities: Join our volunteer team! Students can earn community service hours while helping make Schvitz for Scholarship a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Annie Rotman at arotman@jccgb.org.

Race Day Details & Bib Pickup: Race bib pickup will be available in the JCC Greater Boston lobby on Thursday, October 15, from 9–11 AM, Friday, October 16, from 9–11 AM, or on race day, Sunday, October 18 at 154 Wells Ave, Newton, beginning at 8:30 AM. Complimentary water, fruit, and snacks will be available for all participants at the finish line. Portable restrooms will be available on race day.

Photo Policy & Opt-Out Information: The Schvitz for Scholarship 5K Run/Walk & Little Schvitzers Dash will be photographed by a JCC staff member wearing a JCC staff shirt. While the event waiver on RunSignup includes a photography agreement, participants may opt out of photography at the event. If you are comfortable being photographed, no action is needed. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know during registration. We will provide a sticker to wear on the front and back of your shirt so our photographer can easily identify your preference. We will make every effort to respect all participants' photography preferences throughout the event.

JCC Greater Boston's mission is to create a vibrant, thriving community where everyone belongs. We achieve that goal by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships, and nourishing minds, bodies, and spirits through dynamic, innovative, and accessible experiences grounded in Jewish values. We proudly welcome a growing and increasingly diverse set of individuals and families from all over Greater Boston, and actively support the building of individuals’ unique identities and connections to Jewish life.