Besides apple picking, pumpkin picking, and fall festivals, Northern New Jersey hosts several 5K events around the area during the fall. Whether it’s for a good cause or pure enjoyment, 5K races are a great way to unwind and connect with the community. Read on for a list of 5K races happening in the Northern New Jersey area.
Strides for Safety 5K Run + Walk | 1 County Road 605 (Lincoln Park), Jersey City
September 16th | 8AM
The Strides for Safety 5K Run + Walk welcomes everyone of all ages to participate. Once registered, participants have the chance to receive a t-shirt, drink, and snack. Hudson County welcomes people to help join them in raising awareness for ending gun violence in the community. There is no registration fee at this event.
Read More: A Guide to Running Clubs in Essex County
5K Race to Wellness | Branch Brook Park, Newark
September 16th | TBD
The Boys + Girls Club of Newark will use funds from the race to expand mental and behavioral services for Newark residents. Participants can register online and will have the chance to get a t-shirt and a 5K run/walk medal once finished with the race. Registration is $30.
5K for Pizza | Pier A Park, Hoboken
September 16th | 10AM
Back for its 4th year, runners and walkers alike are welcome to join a course that takes participants throughout Hoboken. The course is expected to be both flat and fast-paced. Once finished with the race, pizza will be available to enjoy from various spots like Napoli’s, Tony Boloney’s, Impostos, H+S Giovanni’s, and more. Registration is currently open for $35.
Newport Liberty Half Marathon + 5K | Newport Green Park, Jersey City
September 23rd | 8:30AM
With a start and end location in the Newport area of Jersey City, participants can choose to either participate in a 5K or half marathon course. For the half marathon, the course will go along different Jersey City landmarks from Ellis Island to the Statue of Liberty. The event will end with music, refreshments, and more. Different registration prices can be found in full detail here.
Newstead 5K | 112 Glenview Road, South Orange
September 30th | 9AM
Participants can either run solo or create a team to help support the Achieve Foundation, which helps support high-quality education for South Orange and Maplewood students. All ages are welcome to join this event, and there are even dedicated races for children such as a Toddler Dash and ½ Mile Kid’s Fun Run. Newstead also has a virtual option that can be completed on one’s own time. Registration starts at $30.
John Samra Memorial 5K Run + 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk | 900 Clifton Avenue, Clifton
October 1st | 8:30AM
At this race, there are two different ways to participate. One option is to do the 5K run or the second option would be the 1-mile walk/fun run — these two options are currently priced at $35 but will increase after September 15th. Participants can expect nine different divisions for the distinguishing age groups.
Franklin Lakes Scenic Half Marathon + 5K + 1 Mile | 1 Vichiconti Way, Franklin Lakes
October 1st | 8AM
For its 10th year, The Franklin Lakes Mayors Wellness Campaign and the Wyckoff Family YMCA are bringing back the Franklin Lakes Scenic Half Marathon + 5K + 1 Mile. Funds for this event will be given to The Charlie Landers Foundation, which will raise awareness and fund research for Ewing’s Sarcoma. 5K run is priced at $25 and the half marathon is priced at $85.
Grace-In-Motion’s 10th Annual Run for the Kids 5K/2K | Henry Hudson Drive, Fort Lee
October 14th | 10AM
Participants are welcome to choose between the 5K run and the 2K walk. Registration for each is $40. Children aged 4 to 12 are also welcome to join the 2K walk with a fee of $20. Grace-In-Motion is partnering with One Less Orphan Foundation for the event. Funds will go towards an orphanage in Andong, South Korea.
FC5kRun | 10 Microlab Road, Livingston
October 22nd | 10AM
The FC5kRun is another hybrid event to join, either in-person or virtually. For a second year in a row, proceeds will go towards a fundraiser for Friendship Circle, which helps children and young adults with special needs. The in-person walk and run will be $35 and only $25 for those who participate virtually. Kids also have the chance to do a Kids Fun Run for $5.
5K Spirit Run | 71-127 Broad Street, Bloomfield
October 28th | 8AM
In late October, the 9th Annual Spirit Run 5K will be back. Race will begin at The Green located on Broad Street, across from Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield. Proceeds from this event will go to Bloomfield’s Mount Olivet Cemetary to help with maintenance. Participants are required to pay $32 upon registration.
HoBOOken5k Halloween Run | Pier A Park, Hoboken
October 28th | 10AM
This annual race from the Hoboken Shelter is the largest and only costumed race in Hoboken. Profits made from the race have helped the shelter gather more resources such as meals, sleeping spaces, and more for those in need. There is a virtual element for participants can take part in if unable to make it to the in-person event. Kids can also take part in the Scary Scurry Kids’ Run. Varied registration prices start from $10 and go up to $100.
Running with The Devils 5K Run + Walk | 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange
October 29th | 9AM
RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils are teaming up again to bring back the 5K Run + Walk event at South Mountain Reservation. The event is held to honor healthcare workers and patients, and runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Following the race, additional activities will be available to take part in which include a free admission to Turtle Back Zoo once registered. Registration fees vary from $30 to $35.
Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk | Simons Park, Morris Plains
November 5th | 8AM
This hybrid race will benefit the students of Morris Plains School District. In-person registration is $20 for participants under 18, and $30 for those 18 and up. Virtual runners and walkers pay $20. If registered by October 10th, all participants will receive a unique race t-shirt.
Annual Hoboken Turkey Trot | Pier A Park, Hoboken
November 18th | 9AM
Families, friends, children, and local residents are invited to join this pre-Thanksgiving event, which has been going on since 2014. The course is along the Hoboken waterfront. Race options include the 5K run priced at $25 and the 1 Mile Fun Run priced at $10. Food and drinks will be given at the end of the course.
5K Stampede Through Clifton | 900 Clifton Avenue, Clifton
November 19th | 8:30AM
This classic event is back for its 25th year. All ages are welcome to join, and there will be different divisions for age groups 10 to 85, with awards for first place. Music and a raffle will be held after the race. A $25 entrance fee includes a race t-shirt.
See More: All About the sam a.m. Running Club
Jersey City Turkey Day 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run | 20 Hudson Street, Jersey City
November 23rd | 10AM
On Thanksgiving Day, runners and walkers alike will either walk or run along the Jersey City waterfront. The fee is $25 for the Turkey Trot 5K and $10 for the 1 Mile Fun Run. Following the race, there will be professional photos taken, music, hot chocolate, food, and more.
