By Rachel Gross Weinstein

The Bagel Run has attracted hundreds of people of all ages for a morning of exercise, fun and bonding with friends for the past 27 years.
The annual event will take place at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 19 at the Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven Road in Dallas. Participants can choose to run in the 5K or 10K race, with a special 1K kids race and a rabbi’s run.
“We always have a lot of fun and people enjoy celebrating this day with their friends and family,” said Mark Kreditor, who started the Bagel Run and is co-chairing this year’s event with Zev Shulkin. “It’s one of the most enjoyable days of the year.”
The goal is to try to implement new things every time, Kreditor said, and some changes have been made this year.
Helping Boston in the aftermath of the April 15 Boston Marathon bombings will be part of the event, as all are encouraged to donate to the Boston Support Fund when registering for the race. One hundred percent of the money raised will go directly to Boston; the J is partnering with the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation for this endeavor, which will collect the money and then send it to The One Fund Boston.
This biggest change, however, is the addition of the Northaven Trail — which the J was instrumental in helping to create — to the 10K race, Kreditor said.
There will also be a “Harlem Shake” warm-up at 7:45 a.m., along with an aches and pain clinic after the race that will provide information about using foam rollers and injury prevention.
“Adding the Northaven Trail is the start of something big,” Kreditor said. “We always love trying new things, and the event grows every year. Many of us started doing the Bagel Run pushing our children in strollers. It’s always an opportunity for families to share a beautiful day and support our community.”
Kreditor started the Bagel Run as a way to celebrate Israel Independence Day and originally partnered with Jewish National Fund for the event. The race would take place in the morning, with an Israel Independence Day celebration in the afternoon.
Over the years, it has grown into what is has become today — a morning of fun for the entire family, Kreditor said.
It’s something the community looks forward to every year, Shulkin said.
“The J is the focus and center of the community, and the Bagel Run is a good day for a good cause,” he said. “It’s a great way to embrace physical fitness and be with friends and family. Mark Kreditor’s vision of uniting the entire community is the key to this entire event and it’s always a terrific morning.”
Added JCC president Artie Allen: “This is something that’s become a tradition. Everyone knows about the Bagel Run, loves it and enjoys it. In a day and age when we are all interested in overall wellness, it’s wonderful to have people prepare for a run that challenges them to meet a goal. The J is all about mind, body and spirit and that’s really important to us.”
The cost for the 5K and 10K run is $20 in advance or $25 on race day. The kids 1K is $8. A bagel buffet and awards ceremony will take place after the race.
For information and to register, contact Kerri Aikin at 214-239-7103 or visit www.jccdallas.org.