Whether you’re a walker or runner, there are lots of 5Ks, fun runs and pet walks calling your name throughout New Jersey. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite walks and runs to inspire you to lace up and get outside.
March 30
Lost Brook Trail Run
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Choose the 5K or 10K course that winds through the woodlands and wetlands of the Lost Brook Preserve, and join other runners, walkers and hikers.
April 5
Super Hero 1 Mile Run & Kids Run
Ocean City
OC CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Show includes a one-mile Super Hero Run, which encourages costumed characters of all ages to show off their speed; plus a separate Super Hero running event for kids age 12 and under.
April 6
Cinnamon Bun Run
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater
Choose from a flat, fast 5.2K or a 10K, topped off with a free warm cinnamon bun waiting for you at the finish line. Leashed dogs are welcome. Proceeds benefit the St. Andreas Foundation for families affected by neonatal encephalopathy.
April 13
Spring Forward 5K Walk/Run and 10K
Central Park, Morris Plains
The Morris Park Alliance is hosting its annual race, which includes a newly added 10K this year. This year’s event celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.
Jersey City Marathon & Half Marathon
Marquee Experience at Newport, Jersey City
The Jersey City Road Runners organize an annual marathon and half-marathon that take place along a fast and flat course through Jersey City’s neighborhoods.
April 26
Miles for Malcolm 5K/5-Mile Run
Pennington Montessori, Pennington
Tara and the Rev. Kim Wildszewski honor their son Malcolm, who passed away in May 2020, just after his second birthday, from Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. There is a Kids Fun Run (8 years old and under), a 5K and a 5-miler. This festive remembrance includes face painting, games, live music, and more.
MudHen IPA 5K & Little Hen Mile
MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood
The flat and fast course goes along a combination of closed roads, the boardwalk and bike path.
Freehold High School Color Run 2025
Freehold High School, Freehold
Sign up for a very colorful 5K or the 1-Mile Family Fun Run. Wear white or light-colored clothes and prepare to be doused with colored powder along the route.
April 27
JCC Bridgewater Sprint Triathlon
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, Bridgewater
There are many options for athletes of any age, skill level and experience to join the race. The main event is a 10-minute swim in the bubble pool, a 30-minute outdoor spin bike ride, and a 5K race. The Super Sprint option is a 5-minute swim, 15-minute bike and 1.5-mile run. There are relay options available, plus a course for special needs athletes.
Run Wild For The Zoo 5K and One-Mile Fun Run/Walk
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Run or walk through the zoo and then stop by your favorite exhibit afterward.
AAPI New Jersey Color Run
Brookdale Park, Bloomfield
Celebrate Holi, which is the Hindu festival of spring, and Songkran, which is Thai New Year, by racing through a closed course as you get splattered with colorful powder.
May 3
Run With Eagles 5K
Cream Ridge Winery, Cream Ridge
The 17th annual Run with Eagles 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run take you through horse country on Kentucky Derby Saturday. Support the Allentown Lions Club Foundation, which will raise money, in part, for the annual Memorial Day Parade. Donations also go to Trenton Rescue Mission, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and local food banks.
Jersey Shore 5K & Team Hope Walk
Bar A, Lake Como
Support the Huntington’s Disease Society of America by taking part in the 5K or Team Walk. After the event, enjoy food and drinks at Bar Anticipation.
May 4
Racin’ for Bacon 5K, 10K and 1-Mile K9 Walk
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
Run through a historic Revolutionary War battlefield to celebrate the nation’s 249th birthday. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or a 1-mile walk with your dog and get a free freshly cooked thick-cut pork belly bacon from Btchi’N Bacon on a Stick at the finish line. The races benefit GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough, whose mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome.
Paws & Feet 5K Run/Walk & Doggie Fun Day
Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill
Support Animal Welfare Association’s lifesaving programs by taking part in a 5K race or a shorter walk with your dog, and then entertainment, a vendor market, children’s activities, a pet-owner costume contest, food and more.
May 17
NJ Sharing Network 5K Celebration of Life
Ocean Pathway, Ocean Grove
Race along the boardwalk to honor those whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
YMCA 5K Race at Pennington Day
South Main Street and East Curlis Avenue, Pennington Borough
This lively street fair featuring local businesses, artisans, activities, music, food and non-profits has become one of the most anticipated events in Hopewell Valley. Activities include a Kids Zone, quilt show, live entertainment and YMCA 5K Race.
May 18
OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon
Ocean City
The friendly competition event includes a 1/4-mile pool swim (timed separately), 2-mile run, 16-mile bike and another 2-mile run. The event includes a duathlon and kids course options.
May 26
The Ridgewood Run
Ridgewood
Sign up for a 10K, 5K or 1-miler produced by the North Jersey Masters Running Club – or take part in them all. There’s also a Ridgewood YMCA Kids Fun Run.
June 8
NJ Sharing Network 5K Celebration of Life
NJ Sharing Network Headquarters, New Providence
Join others along the track whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
June 14
Emergency Responder 5K
Ocean City
The 5K and 1 Mile events will start and finish on the Ocean City bike path, while the kids events will be on the field.
August 9
Three Bridges Five Mile Road Race
467 Main St., Three Bridges
Join part of the LDR Championship Series as either a newbie or a pro runner. There’s also a separate 2-mile walk.
September 1
OCNJ Labor Day Race
Ocean City
The traditional end-of-summer event includes a 5-mile beach run and a 1-mile fun run/walk.
September 7
Twin Lights Ride
Huddy Park, Highlands
Although this isn’t a run, cyclists can choose one of five routes, ranging from 15 to 100 miles, that travel along the shore and countryside. Fresh, local seafood and other food will be sold at the post-ride festival, with nearly 20 restaurants to choose from in town. Stop by the beer garden after the ride.
September 21
OCNJ Half Marathon
Ocean City
Ocean City’s premier race event showcases the boardwalk, downtown and ocean views along a fast and flat course. The event includes a 10-miler and a 5K.
September 28
The Great Empanada 5K, 10K and 1-Mile K9 Walk
Thompson Park, Monroe Twp.
Choose from a 5K, 10K, or a 1-mile walk with your dog – and end with a free freshly cooked empanada from These Freakin’ Empanadas at the finish line.
October 4
Pawprints Pet Fest & 5K
Smithville Park, Eastampton
The Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter put on this fundraiser with food trucks, Tito’s Beverage Garden, a deejay, vendors, a kids’ zone, a pet costume contest, raffles, an adoption zone, and a 5K run/walk.
October 19
The Terri Roemer Paramus Run
Paramus
The different events you can sign up for are the Marty Roemer Memorial 10K run, Lou Lanzalotto Memorial 5K Run, The Paramus Run Health Walk, 5K and 10K races, and a Kids One Mile Fun Run.
November 1
Trail of Two Cities 5K Run/Walk
Ocean City
This 5K race goes from Ocean City to Somers Point. The route travels the length of the Route 52 causeway in the lanes usually reserved for cars.
November 2
Duck Donuts 5K & 10K Run
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater
After you run or walk a flat fast 5K or 10K, a free Duck Donut will be waiting for you at the finish line. The races supports GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough, whose mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome.
November 27
The Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run
Doremus Avenue, Glen Rock
This annual Thanksgiving tradition is a turkey trot through the streets of Glen Rock.
November 30
Duck Donuts Holiday 5K & K9 Walk
Bee Meadow Park, Whippany
The 5K route is good for runners, joggers, walkers and dogs. After you cross the finish line there will be a fresh donut from Duck Donuts, while pets get a doggie donut from Groomington Eats. There will also be music, games, and activities for all ages.
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