Enjoy the great outdoors this fall while breaking a sweat. New Jersey offers several fun charity runs through 5K races, 10K races and beyond. Even if you’re concerned about COVID protocols, there are still plenty of ways to volunteer or participate virtually in these charity runs. You’ll be sure to stay fit, raise money for charity and meet new people at these 13 fall charity run events in New Jersey.
1. 4th Annual Sam Liss Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Get some exercise while supporting a great cause. Either in person or virtually, race participants will donate proceeds to Breaking the Chain through Education, a New Jersey-based non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating child slavery in Ghana, West Africa. The annual event also honors Sam Liss, one of the organization’s founding members who passed away from cancer in 2017.
Cost: $30
Location: Metuchen High School, 400 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Oct. 31
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Sam Liss Memorial 5K
2. JSRC Deal Trick or Trot
Enjoy a day filled with family-friendly events at Deal Casino for Trick or Trot. The annual event features a 4K race, a kids’ walk, a pets’ race and a costume parade perfect for an outing of Jersey family fun.
Cost: $30
Location: Deal Casino, 125 Ocean Avenue, Deal, NJ
Time: 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 31
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: JSRC Deal Trick or Trot
3. The 6th Annual Lobster Run
Take a family-friendly fall trip to the boardwalk, where you can enjoy a 5K run or walk appropriate for all ages. Be sure to stick around for the brunch buffet after party with lobster rolls, drink specials and live music.
Cost: $25-$50
Location: Langosta Lounge, 1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Time: 9 a.m. on Nov. 6
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: American Littoral Society
4. Jersey Shore Pizza the Trail 5K Run/Walk
There is nothing better than the combo of beautiful beaches and pizza and New Jersey offers all of that at the Jersey Shore Pizza the Trail 5K Run/Walk. Enjoy the beautiful sights of nature, pizza from local pizzerias and a pizza-themed finisher’s medal should you win.
Cost: $31
Location: Allaire State Park Main Lot, 4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ
Time: 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 7
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Pizza the Trail 5K
5. Run the Vineyards — Unionville 8K and 5K
Enjoy live entertainment, a complimentary glass of wine (in a glass you can take home), food vendors and more at Run the Vineyards. The rain or shine event is sure to put you in the fall spirit.
Cost: $42-$48
Location: Unionville Winery, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Nov. 7
Who it’s for: Ages 21+
Link for more information: Run the Vineyards
6. Thanks4Giving – Dash & Splash
Take a run in the Turkey Dash 5K or brave the chilly Atlantic Ocean in the Turkey Splash plunge. You can also create your own virtual event Nov. 8-14 while still supporting the cause. The annual event benefits Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners in New Jersey.
Cost: $35
Location: The Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 13
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Special Olympics NJ
7. HASHATHON 6-Mile Treacherous Trail Run
Race through Cheesequake State Park while benefiting Mary's Place by the Sea, a nonprofit respite home for women with cancer. The post-race party includes free beer and pizza.
Cost: $35-$40
Location: Cheesequake State Park, 300 Gordon Road, Matawan, NJ
Time: 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 14
Who it’s for: Ages 21+
Link for more information: HASHATHON
8. Bill Bruno Alumni Cross Country Run
Whether you want to race with your family, club or colleagues, the Bill Bruno Alumni Cross Country Run will give you a dash of nostalgia while racing the 5K trails of Holmdel Park. Be sure to register online before the event since the price to participate goes up the day of event.
Cost: $20-$30
Location: Holmdel Park, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ
Time: 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 20
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Shore A.C.
9. Manasquan Turkey Run
Whether you want to run for one mile or five miles, the Manasquan Turkey Run will let you break a sweat. Race shirts are available for early registrants while supplies last.
Cost: $20-$35
Location: Manasquan, NJ
Time: 10 a.m. on Nov. 20
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Manasquan Turkey Run
10. Born to Run 5 Mile Race
Fight hunger in your hometown with Freehold Area Running Club's 35th Annual Born to Run 5 Mile Race. Beginning in Downtown Freehold and continuing through quiet neighborhoods and around Lake Topanemus, proceeds from the race go toward Freehold Open Door Food Pantry.
Cost: $10-$35
Location: Court Street and Lafayette Street, Freehold, NJ
Time: 10 a.m. on Nov. 26
Who it’s for: Ages 7+
Link for more information: Freehold Area Running Club
11. 1st Annual Keswick Thanks-for-Giving Turkey Trot 5K
Thanksgiving may be a few days before this event but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop the celebrations. The 1st Annual Keswick Thanks-for-Giving Turkey Trot 5K awards prizes for most money raised, race winners and best costume. Race organizers plan to raise $31,000 for the Addiction Recovery ministries at America’s Keswick.
Cost: $25-$35
Location: America’s Keswick, 601 Route 530, Whiting, NJ
Time: 7 a.m. on Nov. 27
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: America’s Keswick
12. Navesink Challenge 12k & 5k
Race to the finish line at the Navesink Challenge. Whether you participate in the 12K or the 5K, you’ll be sure to enjoy random prizes aplenty. Stick around for the afterparty to cool off.
Cost: $42
Location:Bodman Park, 120 Market Street, Middletown, NJ
Time: 10 a.m. on Nov. 28
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Jersey Shore Running Club
13. Jingle Bell Run NJ
Kick off the holiday season in a festive race for charity. Bring your friends, family, or co-workers to this run or walk and put on your favorite holiday costume to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.
Cost: $30-$35
Location: Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ
Time: 8 a.m.
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Arthritis Foundation
