Get ready—fall races in NJ, like a 5K, fun run, or walk, are coming up for active family fun this season. Whether you want to join the New Jersey Devils in October to support RWJBarnabas Healthcare Heroes or keep your kids active with the Healthy Kids Running Series, you can get active outdoors and feel good about giving back this fall. And for more ideas for family fun this season, check out our guide to fall activities in NJ. (Featured Photo Credit: RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils)

15 Walks And Races In NJ You Won’t Want to Miss

50th Annual Belmar Five Mile Run
September 5 at 8 AM
The Belmar Five Mile Run is a scenic fall race that takes runners through the beautiful streets of Belmar and along the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best or simply enjoying a morning run by the ocean, this race offers a fun and energetic way to experience the coast.
Registration Fee: $50 Race Week Registration
Ocean & 2nd Avenue, Belmar, NJ 07719

Princeton Battlefield 5K
September 6 at 9:30 AM
This run gives you the chance to race through the historic grounds of Princeton while enjoying a gorgeous fall morning. The course combines history and scenic surrounding, making it a fun event for both competitive runners and anyone simply looking for a way to get moving.
Registration Fee: $35 + $3.10 signup fee for the 5k or $20 + $2.20 signup fee for the 1 mile walk
Princeton Battlefield State Park, 500 Mercer Road, Princeton, NJ 09540

FallApple 50M, 50k, Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k
September 12 at 9 AM
Celebrate the start of fall with this fun event that features a meticulously designed course that takes you through the South Mountain Reservation. There is a race for every level and type of runner. 
Registration Fee: $55-$85
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ US 08215

Brielle Day Hill & Dale 10K Challenge
September 12 at 9 AM
Looking for a scenic run through charming streets? The Brielle 10K takes you through the gorgeous streets of Brielle making it a great way to enjoy the Jersey Shore in the fall. This community race is a fun and welcoming experience for the whole family.
Registration Fee: $55
Brielle Elementary School, 605 Union Lane, Brielle, NJ 08730

9/11 Heroes 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk
September 12 at 9 AM
Twenty-four years later, America has not forgotten the fallen soldiers, officers, mothers, fathers, and children who lost their lives on that tragic day. Sign up for the 5K or bring the whole family to participate in the mile walk to honor those who have fallen, embrace those who have survived, and support those affected.
Registration Fee: Varies by race
Raritan Campus, 1000 Route 202 S, Raritan, NJ 08869

9/11 Heroes Run
September 13 at 9:11 AM
This run unites the community so that we never forget the sacrifices of the 9/11 heroes and service members who stepped up in the wars that followed. Join in the 5K run or the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk—it’s open to all ages and fitness levels.
Registration Fee: Varies by race
Jack Curtis Stadium at Cooper River Park, 5300 North Park Drive, Pennsauken, NJ 08109

Harvest to Horizon Running Festival
September 19 at 9 AM
Take in the beginning of the fall season at this family-friendly running festival. This event featured a half marathon, 5k, and a one-mile fun run on a scenic course that winds through farmland and country roads before reaching Bay Point beach.
Registration Fee: $95
Starting at Frosty’s Ice Cream Stand, 345 Main St, Cedarville, NJ 08311

5K For Pizza Hoboken
September 19 at 10:30 AM
Pizza lovers rejoice! This event puts a delicious spin on the traditional road race and starts with a run through Hoboken and finishes with pizza at the end. Yes, you read that right – a pizza party to end the event. 
Registration Fee: $45
100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Renaultberfest 5K and Grape Stomping
September 26 at 10 AM
Rain or shine, run a 5K, or let your kids walk in the Fun Run. After the race, enjoy tractor rides, a kids’ vine sack race relay, a Paint a Pumpkin workshop, contests, and a runner’s grape stomp. The fee includes a t-shirt and participation in the grape stomp. 
Registration Fee: $50 for the 5K and $20 for the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run; prices increase on the day of the event
72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, NJ US 08215

2026 New Jersey Walk For PKD
September 27 at 10 AM
This is an awesome way to get out and moving for a good cause with the family. The Walk for PKD is one of the most powerful opportunities to raise funds for lifesaving research for polycystic kidney disease. The event begins at 10 AM with a Penny Kids Dash at 10:40 AM and the walk beginning at 11 AM.
Registration Fee: Free
Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550

Tomorrow Children’s Fund 11th Annual Join Hands 5K
September 27 at 9 AM
Want to participate in a meaningful cause and get moving? This event includes an in person 5k run, a 5k walk, a kids fun run, or a virtual 5k. When you participate, you will be joining in to help support The Tomorrow Children’s Fund that is committed to helping children with cancer and other serious blood disorders.
Registration Fee: Price varies by event
Saddle River County Park, 760 Saddle River Rd, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663

Annual Walk N’ Roll
October 4 at 9 AM
Gather the kids, lace up your kicks, and team up for the Annual Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation Walk n’ Roll. This annual event at Colonial Park in Somerset supports life-changing care for kids living with unique health challenges–from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like those caused by brain and spinal cord injuries to a full scope of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns.
Registration Fee: There is no registration fee; registered guests receive a swag bag and food tickets
Colonial Park, 538 Elizabeth Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873

Running with the Devils 5K Run and Wellness Walk 2026
Join October 1-November 1 virtually, in-person event, November 1 at 9 AM
RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils are once again teaming up at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex to honor RWJBarnabas Health’s 38,000 healthcare workers with the Running with the Devils 5K and Wellness Walk. Besides all the fun and saying hello to former NJ Devil players who will be on site, your family can feel good about participating—100% of the proceeds will benefit RWJBarnabas Healthcare in their efforts to protect and build healthier communities throughout NJ. You can register here ahead of time for the in-person run, live walk, or virtual experience.
Registration Fee: Registration is $40 for adults for the 5K, $35 for adults for the Wellness Walk, and $35 for adults to participate virtually
9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 07052

Branch Brook 15K
October 4 at 8 AM
This is an iconic race that gives you the chance to take on a scenic course through Newark’s historic Branch Brook Park. This has a longer distance than a traditonal 5k which makes it a great way to challenge yourself while also giving you the chance to take in the October air.
Registration Fee: $75
9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 07052

Healthy Kids Running Series
Dates vary per location
The Healthy Kids Running Series is an inclusive youth running experience to inspire kids to lead an active, healthy lifestyle and believe in themselves. In 2026, Healthy Kids will take place from Camden to Cape May Court House. Some upcoming events include East Brunswick on September 27, and October 4, 11, 18, and 25, Manahawkin on September 20 and 27, and October 4, 11, and 18, and Glen Rock on September 13 and 27, and October 4, 11, and 18. There are more locations in the Garden State to check out.
Registration Fee: Typically $54 
Various locations in New Jersey