The Edison to India 5K Dash-or-Dally returns for its second year on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Roosevelt Park in Edison. The Vellore CMC Foundation and New Dover United Methodist Church are co-sponsors of this year’s event. It raises money for Christian Medical College Vellore and its health programs directed towards India’s underserved communities.
The setting fits. New Jersey has the highest share of Indian Americans of any state at 4.6% of the population, according to 2023 Census Bureau estimates. John Riehl, the foundation’s CEO and the event director, talked with BINJE about the hospital’s history, the race and why he believes it has room for everyone.
Q: For readers who don’t know CMC Vellore, what is it?
A: CMC is a hospital and medical college in Vellore, in South India. It began in 1900 as a one-bed clinic. Today it serves more than 4 million patients a year. Our foundation has supported the work of CMC Vellore from the United States for more than 75 years. We fund three key components of the institution’s mission: research, education and compassionate care. And 100% of every gift received goes toward improving health care in India.
Q: The founding story is a remarkable one. Tell us about Dr. Ida Scudder.
A: Ida was the daughter of American medical missionaries working in India in the late 1800’s, and she had no plans to follow them. Then one night, while she was visiting her parents, three men came to the door. Each had a wife struggling in childbirth. Local customs barred a male doctor from treating the women, so the men refused help from Ida’s father. Ida had no training and could do nothing. All three women and their newborns died.
That night changed her. She returned to the U.S., was the first woman to earn a medical degree from Cornell Medical College (in 1899) and came back to Vellore to open a one-bed maternal-child healthcare clinic. A 40-bed hospital followed in 1902, a nursing school in 1909 and a medical school for women in 1918. We still call her Aunt Ida.
Q: Why hold the race in Edison?
A: Central Jersey is home to one of the country’s greatest Indian American communities. For many families here, India is home, and the need for affordable care there is personal. This race gives them a way to help from their own neighborhood. We believe local action creates global change. Every step in Roosevelt Park helps bring quality, affordable health care to people who need it most.
Q: What about people who just want a good race?
A: They will get one. The course is USATF-sanctioned. Every registered participant gets a T-shirt and a finisher medal, and there are age-group awards for both men and women. But we call it a Dash-or-Dally for a reason. Walkers and strollers are welcome, and there is a virtual option. Last year we had runners and walkers from age 8 to 82.
Q: The foundation’s work is rooted in faith. How does that shape the event?
A: Ida’s work began as a calling, and faith communities have carried it for generations. New Dover United Methodist Church is our co-sponsor and hosted the first race on its grounds last year. But the race is open to all. Ida opened medical careers to women of all faiths and backgrounds. Caring for a neighbor is a value most people share, whatever they believe.
Q: BINJE readers run businesses. How can they take part?
A: Twenty-one local businesses sponsored us last year, and we want to grow that number. Sponsorships run from $150 for a Friend of the 5K to $2,500 for the presenting sponsor. Our fundraising goal is $60,000. Adult registration is $30, and we waive the fee for anyone who raises $150 or more. Sign up at Edison2India5K.org. Your strides save lives!
