Essex County and North Jersey in general are packed full of awesome places to run. Whether you’re a beginner, have been running marathons for years, or land somewhere in between, North Jersey is a great place for runners of all experience levels. 5Ks are a total of 3.1 miles and are a great place to start a running journey. Plus, not only are they a great way to stay in shape, but proceeds also usually go to a good cause. Now that November is here and Thanksgiving is on the horizon, there are also a host of Turkey Trots to participate in — and we’ve covered what you need to know locally. From competitive-style races to more relaxed and easy-going ones, The Montclair Girl rounded up a list of local 5Ks and Turkey Trots to run in this fall in North Jersey.

These events are included editorially as a community resource, and The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with any of these events. For the most up-to-date information — including cancellations due to inclement weather — be sure to contact the host directly. If you know of any local 5Ks that we should add, send us an email at hello@themontclairgirl.com.

(Photo credit: @friendsoflibertystatepark)

About the 5K Race

The 5K race has become one of the most popular distances in racing. Unlike half or full marathons, this length does not require as strict of a training program or a time commitment. 5K is a distance of exactly 3.107 miles, 5000 meters, or 12.5 laps around an Olympic-sized track. It is also 16,404.2 feet or 5,468 yards. Although it takes the average person about 25-30 minutes to complete, we’ve gathered some impressive world records. Did you know: the current men’s record is 12:49, held by Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi, and the current women’s record holder is Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye with a time of 14:19. Both records were set on December 31st, 2021, in Barcelona, Spain.

Read More: Registration Opens September 1st for the Jersey City 2023 Marathon

A List of Local 5Ks + Turkey Trots in North Jersey

Dash for Dignity 5K | Ridgefield Park

• Sunday, November 6th, 9AM
• Proceeds benefit: Yad Leah — which provides support, comfort, and dignity to families in Israel through the distribution of new and gently-used clothing.
• Registration fee: $43 for an individual

Harrington Park 5K Fall Spectacular | Harrington Park

• Saturday, November 12th, 9AM
• The 5K “Fall Spectacular” event includes a 5K Run & Walk for all ages, a Mile Fun Run, and a kiddie dash. Amenities include long sleeve shirts, an indoor gym, and refreshments.
• Registration fee: $25 + $2.50 sign-up fee, to increase to $30 after November 5th

Salute to our Veterans 5K  | Liberty State Park, Jersey City

• Saturday, November 12th, 10AM
• This race will include Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop — who served in the USMC from 2003-2006, completing his service to the Marine Corps Reserve with the rank of Corporal,  and will be firing the starting gun. Mayor Fulop, a United States Marine Corps veteran, is a triathlete and also plans to run the race. The race will be scored and awards will be given out to top performers.
• Proceeds benefit: To benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark’s Veterans Initiative supporting local veteran homeownership and veterans at risk of homelessness.
• Registration fee: $35

HERO 5K | Bergen Community College, Paramus

• Sunday, November 13th, Time TBD
• Proceeds benefit: The Paramus Veteran community with a scenic and fast course.
• Registration fee: Check back here for updates

Hot 2 Trot 5K | Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road, Clark

• Sunday, November 13th, 9AM and 10AM (depending on age)
• A Pre-Turkey Day Competitive 5K featuring 2 races with different age groups
• Registration fee: $29

Bordentown Turkey Trot | 323 Ward Avenue, Bordentown

• Saturday, November 19th, Race starts 9:30AM
• This race features a flat and fast USATF Certified 5K course finishing at Bordentown’s Veterans Park. This year’s event will also feature chip timing and an HD finish line video with text messaging to your mobile device with time and pace within seconds of finishing.
• Registration fee: $30

12th Annual Constable Elementary Turkey Trot 5K | Constable Elementary School
29 Constable Road, Kendall Park

• Saturday, November 19th, 7:30AM Check-In
• This year marks the 12th anniversary of Constable’s Turkey Trot 5K Race and Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the Constable PTO and will go toward field trips, assemblies, the installation of a sensory path, and other fun and educational activities. Thanksgiving and turkey-themed costumes and accessories are strongly encouraged.
• Registration fee: $30, with price increasing after 11/2

Lake Hopatcong Pizza Trail Run 5K | Prospect Point Park, 30 Florida Avenue,
Lake Hopatcong

• Saturday, November 19th, 9:45AM
• This run is in honor and memory of Lynette Denson, a local resident and founder of Tru Nature Yoga. Proceeds will be used to establish a scholarship for a Jefferson High School student and establish a fund for her children.
• This race aims to be fun and give you a “pizza” of the trail and a glimpse into trail running.
• Registration fee: $33, to increase after 10/31

Hoboken Turkey Trot | Pier A Park, Hoboken

• Saturday, November 19th, 10AM
• Starting at Pier A Park in Hoboken, the route runs alongside the Hudson River with priceless views of Manhattan. Runners, joggers, walkers, and strollers are welcome. The event includes professional photos, official times results, drinks, and snacks for finishers, free giveaways from sponsors and vendors, and more. 
• Proceeds benefit: The Hoboken Shelter, Community Lifestyle, and Team Wilderness
• Registration fee: starts at $30

Two Towns Turkey Trot 5K + Kids’ Fun Run | South Mountain Reservation Lollipop Loop – Crest Drive, South Orange/Maplewood

• Saturday, November 19th, 10AM
• The 2022 Two Towns Turkey Trot 5K & Kids’ Fun Run is presented by the Seth Boyden PTA and will be at the South Mountain Reservation on Crest Drive in Maplewood, off South Orange Avenue near The Top apartments.
• Registration fee: $25, Race Day $35

Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run | Garden State Plaza Mall, Paramus

• Thursday, November 24th, 9AM
• Options for a 5K race and a Kids Fun Run. The event includes shirts, medals for top performers, prizes, free race photos, sponsor giveaways, and food and drink vendors.
• Registration fee: $30

Upper Saddle River 5K | Upper Saddle River

• Thursday, November 24th, 9AM
• Start your Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot — Come celebrate the 23rd running of the USR 5k Run! Awards given out for top participants. The event will also include a DJ, refreshments, and an indoor facility. 
• Proceeds benefit: USR Community Center
• Registration fee: $30

See More: A Guide to Running Clubs in Essex County

Jersey City Turkey Trot | Jersey City

• Friday, November 25th, 10AM
• Registration fee: $30

Squatchy Leftovers Trail Race | South Mountain Reservation, West Orange

• Saturday, November 26th, 9AM
• You can register to run/hike a 5K, 10K, 25K, or 50K. All runners/hikers will receive a handcrafted wood medal, a finishers’ item, and receive official results.
• Proceeds benefit: The charity “Operation Chillout“. Proceeds will be used to purchase warm clothing for homeless Veterans in New Jersey.
• Registration fee: $35

Smiles for Maragaret | 332 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown

• Saturday, November 26th, 9AM
• This race is in memory of Margaret Walling, a young Hackettstown resident who lost her battle with a malignant brain tumor in December of 2013.
• Proceeds benefit: Smiles For Margaret — which gives money raised to families with children fighting cancer.
• Registration fee: $25