Mountainside PAL Cop Trot Returns October 3 for Its 24th Year

The 24th annual Mountainside PAL Cop Trot is set for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Deerfield School, 302 Central Avenue, Mountainside. The morning opens with a free Tot Trot at 8:30 a.m. for children ages 1 through 6, followed by a 5K race at 9 a.m. The event combines family participation, community gathering, and fundraising to support youth programs and community activities throughout the year.

Union County Life covers Mountainside community events, youth programs, and local activities across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Event Schedule and Participation

The morning begins with the Tot Trot, a free event welcoming young children ages 1 through 6. The Tot Trot provides an introduction to community running events and allows families with young children to participate together in the Cop Trot tradition.

The 5K race follows at 9 a.m., inviting runners and walkers of all abilities to complete a three-mile course. Registration for the 5K is priced at $30, making the event accessible to community members seeking a fall running opportunity.

Both events can be registered for through the Mountainside PAL Cop Trot page on RunSignUp, an online event registration platform providing convenient signup options.

Fundraising Purpose and Community Impact

The Cop Trot does more than log miles—it funds vital programs and community activities throughout the year. Jeanie Ruban, President of the Mountainside PAL, outlines the reach of Cop Trot fundraising.

"The Cop Trot funds programs and community activities throughout the year, including fall soccer, flag football, cheerleading, travel basketball, open gym, Breakfast with Santa, Skate Night, the eighth-grade pool party, Fourth of July fireworks, and scholarship awards for students at Deerfield School and Governor Livingston High School," Ruban said.

The breadth of programs supported—from seasonal sports to holiday celebrations to academic scholarships—demonstrates how a single annual fundraiser sustains year-round community activities for youth and families.

Sports and Recreation Programming

Fall soccer, flag football, and cheerleading provide young athletes with seasonal competitive and recreational opportunities. Travel basketball extends basketball programming for advanced players. Open gym creates flexible recreation space for neighborhood youth.

These programs build community connection, develop athletic skills, and create gathering spaces where young people develop friendships and teamwork.

Community Celebrations and Traditions

Beyond sports programming, Cop Trot funds support community traditions: Breakfast with Santa brings holiday celebration to Mountainside families. Skate Night creates seasonal recreation opportunities. The eighth-grade pool party marks important milestone celebrations for students.

Fourth of July fireworks represent a major municipal celebration funded through PAL contributions—a community-wide tradition bringing neighbors together.

Scholarship Support for Students

Cop Trot fundraising provides scholarship awards for students at Deerfield School and Governor Livingston High School, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from accessing community programs and opportunities.

Scholarship awards recognize academic achievement and support student participation in PAL programs regardless of family financial circumstances.

Sponsorships and Donations

Community members and local businesses are invited to support the event through sponsorships and donations. Information on sponsorship opportunities is available in the 2026 Cop Trot Sponsor Letter, and online donations can be made through the Mountainside PAL Cop Trot donation page on RunSignUp.

Corporate sponsorships and individual donations directly enable program funding, allowing businesses and community members to invest in local youth development.

Mountainside PAL Mission

The Mountainside Police Activities League (PAL) creates programs that bring together police and young people in positive community settings. The Cop Trot represents a signature annual event that combines fitness, community participation, and fundraising to sustain PAL's year-round programming.

For Mountainside residents and families, participation in the Cop Trot connects them to both the community event itself and the broader network of youth and family programs supported throughout the year.

Event Logistics and Registration

Registration is available on RunSignUp, the event platform hosting Cop Trot registration and fundraising. Participants can register for the 5K ($30) and Tot Trot (free) through the online portal.

The Deerfield School location at 302 Central Avenue provides a convenient, familiar community venue for the annual event.

24 Years of Community Tradition

Now in its 24th year, the Mountainside PAL Cop Trot represents a sustained community tradition combining exercise, celebration, and fundraising. The event's longevity reflects community commitment to supporting local youth programs and building connections through shared activities.

Find more Mountainside community events, youth programs, and local activities on Union County Life.

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Q: When is the 24th annual Mountainside Cop Trot?
A: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Deerfield School. Tot Trot starts at 8:30 a.m., 5K race at 9 a.m.

Q: What is the Tot Trot?
A: A free event for children ages 1-6 held at 8:30 a.m. before the 5K race.

Q: How much does the 5K race cost?
A: Registration is $30. Both events can be registered for through RunSignUp.

Q: Where is the Cop Trot held?
A: Deerfield School, 302 Central Avenue, Mountainside.

Q: What does Cop Trot fundraising support?
A: Fall soccer, flag football, cheerleading, travel basketball, open gym, Breakfast with Santa, Skate Night, eighth-grade pool party, Fourth of July fireworks, and scholarships for Deerfield School and Governor Livingston High School students.

Q: How can I sponsor or donate?
A: Sponsorship information is available in the 2026 Cop Trot Sponsor Letter. Online donations can be made through the RunSignUp Cop Trot donation page.

Q: Who can participate in the 5K?
A: Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome.

Q: How do I register?
A: Registration is available through the Mountainside PAL Cop Trot page on RunSignUp.

Q: Is the Tot Trot free?
A: Yes. The Tot Trot for children ages 1-6 is free, though registration is required.