Running A Tradition

EACH YEAR IN THE SPRING, runners—and a variety of other active people and pets—gather for the annual TEF Tenafly 5K Run and Dog Walk, organized by the Tenafly Educational Foundation. The event, now in its 27th year, is currently run by Tenafly residents Eric and Lori Leskin.

As race directors since 2017, the Leskins are committed to preserving the local flavor that makes this townwide event so special and inviting. From energetic dog parades to competitors testing their agility by running up challenging hills, the 5K race offers something enjoyable for everyone.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the TEF and has seen record numbers in recent years. It’s now one of the largest road races in New Jersey, bringing more than 1,500 participants.

COMMUNITY CAUSES

On race day, you can expect to see runners of all ages and abilities participating in activities for the whole family. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities such as the 1-mile Fun Run, the dog parade, a bouncing house for kids and more. Local teachers and principals are among the crowd cheering on their students and supporting the runners.

This year’s 5K is partnering with Achilles New Jersey, which has a mission to empower people with various disabilities to participate in running events and transform lives through fitness and connection.

The Leskins, who have been avid runners for years, are very familiar with Achilles athletes, as they have served as guides for visually impaired runners in races all across the globe, including in New York, Berlin and Tokyo, through Achilles International.

When the previous race directors were faced with deciding who should take over the event, they faced a crucial decision: Should they hand it off to a commercial company that would run it like a business, or keep organization of the race within the community?

The choice seemed clear. “This is what makes this race so great,” says Lori. “It’s not a business—it’s a community event, focused on families and bringing people together.”

Even those who are not runners are encouraged to get involved. “Come out for the day,” Lori encourages. “Cheer someone on or volunteer—it’s a wonderful event to be part of, and it lifts everyone’s spirits.” Each year, over 200 volunteers ensure that the event runs smoothly.

When recalling their favorite race moments, the Leskins highlight the day’s special pockets of excitement, from eager expressions of runners at the starting line to their post-race tradition of stopping by Tenafly Classic Diner, where they are greeted by participants and their families proudly displaying their medals and celebrating their achievements.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Even before they moved to Tenafly, the Leskins were drawn to the town’s 5K. While living in Englewood, they discovered the race and began attending with their young children.

Over time, it became an annual family tradition—one that played a key role in their decision to move to town. “The 5K really drew us to Tenafly,” Eric says, adding that a strong school system and welcoming atmosphere also sealed the deal.

Once they moved, they were eager to further their involvement in the community and have been involved in various aspects of the town for quite some time.

“Before taking over the race, we were always very involved,” says Lori. While they were both involved in Tenafly schools as their children went through the local system, Lori served as the president of the Tenafly Educational Foundation and the travel soccer club, while Eric coached recreational basketball.

Even after their children graduated, the couple wanted to find ways to stay involved in the community. “Being able to stay involved after our kids graduated and moved out kept us here in Tenafly,” Lori says.

As for the future of the Tenafly 5K, the Leskins are committed to maintaining the small-town feel that has made this event so successful for the past 27 years. They are open to evolution and tweaks while maintaining the energy they have curated.

“We do not want to lose the community aspects of it,” they jointly say. “We want to continue making it inviting, welcoming and accessible to everyone.”

The 2025 Tenafly 5K is Sunday, June 1. To learn more or register, visit www.tenafly5k.com.

BY GABRIELLE WALTERS