In 2022, iRace4Vocations was the final event to be held at Cooper River Park’s then-weathered Jack Curtis Stadium location.
This year, it is effectively a whole new space for the annual vocations faith-raiser family event on April 30.
As part of Camden County’s Parks Alive 2025 initiative, announced in April 2022, Jack Curtis Stadium underwent $1.2 million in renovations. These included a neon orange five-lane race track, three shaded pavilions, upgraded seating, water stations, new trees, lighting enhancements, and curb and drainage improvements.
The 1,000-seat Jack Curtis Stadium renovations are part of Camden County’s $100 million, four-year effort to bring upgrades, updates and enhancements to every park in Camden County’s sprawling park system, as well as some municipal parks located in the county.
“These renovations will be immediately noticeable to all of last year’s attendees. The facilities at the time were well-worn and in need of updating. Camden County officials should be commended, it looks like a completely new facility now. The runners and families will be very happy being in such a great venue as we both celebrate the Mass and enjoy the festivities of the day,” said Father Adam Cichoski, director of vocations for the Diocese of Camden.
Even before the renovations, the 340-acre Cooper River Park has long been a beloved and famous South Jersey Park, thanks to its beautiful location, abundant parking, 4.4 miles of trails, playgrounds, a dog park, picnic areas and sculpture garden. It is also home to the Cooper River Yacht Club, as well as many prestigious rowing events thanks to it world-class, Olympic-distance, 2,000 meter narrow and sheltered straightaway. And a few years ago, LaScala’s Birra opened in the park, offering an indoor/outdoor restaurant with an artisanal Italian menu and many local craft beers.
Mike Walsh is the diocesan Secretariat for Communications.
If You Go
WHAT: iRace4Vocations is a free annual event that welcomes people of all ages to run a 5K or walk a 1-mile course while both praying for and promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The day includes Mass and a picnic/family entertainment.
WHEN: Begins at noon April 30; Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. by Bishop Dennis Sullivan
WHERE: Cooper River Park, Jack Curtis Stadium, 5300 North Park Drive, Pennsauken
INFORMATION: camdenpriest.org/irace4vocations
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