Races in New Jersey are finally back in person, and there’s no better time than spring to enjoy them. Support the homeless at the Bloomin’ 5K and 1 Mile Walk in Clifton, raise money for local charities in the kids’ race at the Spring Lake 5K, or give back to the animals and Run Wild With The Cape May Zoo. Ready to sign up? Scroll down for races in New Jersey this spring. And if you are looking for more springtime fun, check out Spring Festival and Fairs and Free Things to do in April. (featured photo credit: istock/korhil65)
(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
15 spring races in New Jersey
North – Races in New Jersey
24th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run/ Walk
April 9 at 8 AM
Enjoy a scenic, flat route around the reservoir, with a chip-timed 5K run followed by a family-friendly walk to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Registration includes an event t-shirt for all runners and walkers who donate or raise at least $25. There will also be on-site entertainment and activities.
Cost: Donation-based
Clipper Pavilion, 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ,07052
Bloomin’ 5k
April 22 at 8:30 AM
Sign up for this 5K or a 1-mile walk to support the homeless. This race will feature a USATF-NJ sanctioned/certified course with Grand Prix status, a dog and stroller-friendly walk, music, food, and fun activities for kids.
Cost: $40; 10 and under are free
Main Memorial Park, 1395 Main Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011
XC Summer Series
April 27-August 31 on Wednesdays at 6 PM
Learn how to run cross country with a weekly series of 5K events on Wednesday nights from April 27 until August 31, 2022. There are a total of 15 races in the series. The course is open to all ages and abilities, and walkers are welcome.
Cost: $8-$10 per race or $50-$85 per series
Central Ave and North Cottage Road, Parsippany, NJ US 07954
Girls on the Run Spring 5K Sparta
May 21 at 8 AM
Got a grade school-aged daughter? Girls on the Run is an organization that reaches girls at a critical stage, strengthening their confidence at a time when society begins to tell them they can’t. Come out to cheer on or enter this race held around Lake Mohawk in Sparta.
Cost: $35
White Deer Plaza, Sparta, NJ 07871
Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Run
Every Saturday at 9 AM
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or cheer on participants at this fun event. This run is free, but make sure to register before attending.
Cost: Free
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, 156 Mettlers Rd, Somerset, NJ 08873
Central – Races in New Jersey
Run with the Eagles 5k
April 23 at 9 AM
It’s the 14th annual Run with the Eagles event with a 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run—start at the Cream Ridge Winery and run, walk, or push your stroller through horse country and historic Walnford Park. This event will help the Allentown Lions Club Foundation support various community events and organizations. The race proceeds will be donated to the Trenton Rescue Mission, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, and the local Food Bank. There will be music, refreshments, t-shirts, and prizes.
Cost: $20 and up
Cream Ridge Winery, 145 County Route 539, Cream Ridge, NJ US 08514
Sandy Hook Lighthouse 5K
May 7 at 9:30 AM
Sign up for this scenic 5K around the lighthouse to benefit New Jersey Blind Citizens Association and Camp Happiness. There will be a kids’ fun run too.
Cost: $10 and up
Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Sandy Hook, NJ US 07732
Spring Into Summer 5K
May 21 at 8:10 AM
The St. Mary’s Athletic Association and The Jersey Shore Running Club present the 18th Annual Spring Into Summer 5K. All proceeds from this event benefit the Monsignor Bulman Stadium Fund, dedicated to improving the athletic facilities of Mater Dei Prep and Saint Mary School on the campus of Saint Mary Parish. In addition to the 5K, there is a 1-mile run/walk and a series of races for kids ages 4-12.
Cost: $15 and up
538 Church Street, Middletown, NJ US 07748
Spring Lake 5K and Kids Race
May 27-28
The Spring Lake Five began in 1977 as a project of the Recreation Committee and the Town Council and now is one of the country’s biggest events, supporting local charities. This 5K in New Jersey is currently full, but the kid’s race still has open spots.
Cost: $20
Ocean Ave & Sussex Ave., Spring Lake, NJ US 07762
Healthy Kids Running Series
Various dates and times
This running series was created by Jeff Long, Founder, and President of Pattison Sports Group, to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running. There will be races in NJ all season—check the website for dates and locations.
Cost: prices vary
27 towns in New Jersey
South – Races in New Jersey
Ship Bottom Sprint For Life
April 9 Registration at 10 AM
The event kicks off with the Kidz Mini Sprint, followed by a 5k Run and a Fitness Walk. There will be free pre-race coffee and donuts, an after-race party with a free buffet, drink specials, and raffles/auctions for only $5.00 for race participants. This event benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Cost: $10 and up, depending on the event
11th Street Long Beach Island, NJ 08008
Gibbstown Bunny Run
April 16 at 8:30 AM
It’s the first annual Gibbstown Bunny Run on Saturday, April 16, 2022. There will be a 5K course, a 1 mile run for kids 12 and under, and a 1-mile walk through Gibbstown. Post-race festivities will include an awards ceremony, refreshments, and snacks. There will be awards for first overall male and female, first male and female Gibbstown resident, age groups, and best race-themed costume.
Cost: $20 and up
Broad and School Street, Gibbstown, NJ 08027
Run Wild for the Cape May County Zoo
April 24 at 8 AM
There is a 5-mile run and a 1-mile walk, and a 400-yard dash for ages 10 and under. Support The Cape May Zoological Society and Habitat For Humanity of Cape May County. Anyone can donate, not just participants.
Cost: $15 and up
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ US 08210
Renault Winery 5 Miler and Food Truck Festival
April 24 at 9 AM
Enjoy the beauty of the vineyards as you run this flat 5-mile course at New Jersey’s oldest active winery. Refuel at the after-party featuring live music and food trucks. Awards will be given to the top 3 overall finishers and the top 3 in each age group, including an under 15 category.
Cost: $50
Renault Winery – 72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
Cape May Point 5 Mile and 2 Mile
June 18 at 8:15 AM
The 42nd Annual Cape May Point Five Mile Run will have a 2 Mile Run at 8:15 AM and a 5 Mile Run at 9 AM. Receive a complimentary t-shirt with registration.
Cost: $30 and up
412 Yale Ave., Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Which races in New Jersey will you join this spring?
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