Just because the weather is colder, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your workout. New Jersey offers plenty of fun upcoming races this winter for you to break a sweat while benefiting nonprofit organizations and other local causes. Below you will find 23 charity run events in and around the area.
Bergen County
All Schools Special Needs 5K Run/Walk
Participate in a 5K run or walk while donating to All Schools Special Needs, which provides special needs children with supplies, equipment, technology, field trips and other resources.
Cost: $15
Location: Ridgefield Park Jr.-Sr. High School, 1 Ozzie Nelson Drive, Ridgefield Park, NJ
Time: 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 11
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Valley Trail Series Winter Races
Explore a variety of terrains in the Valley Trail Series. The top three men and women in each race will receive discounted or free admission to the next race.
Cost: $35-$50
Location: Alpine Scout Camp, 441 Rte 9W, Alpine, NJ
Time: 7 a.m. on Dec. 12, Jan. 2, Jan. 30 and Feb. 27
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Valley Trail Series
Camden County
Cpt Gregory T. Dalessio Memorial 5k Run/Walk
Commemorate the life of Cpt Gregory T. Dalessio and his services during combat in Salman Pak, Iraq. This race includes both running and walking options.
Cost: $25
Location: The Catholic Community of Christ Our Light, 402 N Kings Hwy, Cherry Hill, NJ
Time: 8 a.m. on Dec. 4
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Haddonfield Snowflake Run
Race to the finish line while benefiting the Children's Tumor Foundation and other local and national charities. This charity run also includes shirts, medals, food and drinks for all participants.
Cost: $35
Location: Crows Woods Complex, 957 East Atlantic Ave., Haddonfield, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Dec. 4
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
7th Annual Veterans Haven 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk
Race through the Camden County Park System and win awards. This run and walk benefits Veterans Haven South, a transitional facility for homeless and unemployed veterans.
Cost: $35
Location: Christ the King Regional School, 164 Hopkins Ave., Haddonfield, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Dec. 11
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Essex County
Frosty Fat Sass
Keep yourself accountable and go for a run in the cold. This race features 5K, 3-hour and 6-hour races and benefits the South Mountain Conservancy.
Cost: $30
Location: South Mountain Reservation-Turtleback Rock Picnic Area, Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Jan. 22
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: UltraSignup
Hudson County
Hoboken Jingle Bell 5K
All fitness levels can experience the New York City skyline when they run this course. Relax during the fun run or be more competitive in the 5K.
Cost: $12-$30
Location: Pier A Park 100, 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Dec. 18
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Harrison's Jingle Bell 5K
Run or walk 3.1 miles through the streets of Harrison with many Santas (or AS Santa, since Santa suits are available for registered participants while supplies last). Proceeds benefit Harrison Cancer League.
Cost: $30-$35
Location: Guyon Drive and Sixth St., Harrison, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Dec. 5
Who it’s for:
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Mercer County
Winter Wonder Run 6K
Enjoy the natural-surface trails in the Institute Woods. This run is open to all skill levels, including walkers.
Cost: $40 up to 72 hours before the event; $55 day of event
Location: Princeton Friends School, 470 Quaker Rd., Princeton, NJ
Time: 10 a.m. on Dec. 4
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Princeton Athletic Club
Jingle All The Way 3K
Support the Special Olympics New Jersey with this fun race featuring a “Jungle All the Way” theme so be sure to come decked out in your best jungle gear.
Cost: $0-$30
Location: Special Olympics New Jersey Sports Complex, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ
Time: 12 p.m. on Dec. 5
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Special Olympics New Jersey
Middlesex County
Big Chill 5K
Benefit the Rutgers Food Security Fund and Winter Wishes while braving the cold weather. Registration includes a Rutgers University winter hat.
Cost: $20
Location: Rutgers University College Ave Gym, 130 College Ave., New Brunswick, NJ
Time: 10 a.m. on Dec. 11
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Rutgers
Secret Mystery Winter Trail Run FCH 2022
Add a little mystery to your race schedule with this winter trail run. Emails with a secret starting location will be sent out to all registered participants. Be sure to bring a canned food donation for St. Matthews Edison Food Bank.
Cost: $20-$30
Location: A secret location in North Brunswick, NJ
Time: 10:17 a.m. on Jan. 8
Who it’s for: Ages 21+
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Monmouth County
St. Catharine School Christmas 5K
Break a sweat while supporting St. Catharine School. This rain-or-shine event is perfect for any age.
Cost: $35
Location: Saint Catharine School, 301 2nd Ave., Spring Lake, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Dec. 4
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: scschristmas5k.com
Asbury Park Santa Run
Race through Asbury Park while wearing a Santa suit. This charity run benefits local nonprofit Lunch Break and gives you access to after parties all over town with live music and local vendors.
Cost: $39.95
Location: The Stone Pony, 913 N Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 10 a.m. on Dec. 4
Who it’s for: Ages 21+
Link for more information: Asbury Park Santa Run
Train Run Holiday Special
Take the train from Asbury Park and then run back along the boardwalk to Johnny Mac House of Spirits for a post-run party with pizza, beer, soda and prizes. All proceeds benefit the Asbury Park Youth Program and Asbury Park Mount Carmel School.
Cost: $30
Location: Johnny Mac House of Spirits, 208 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 12
Who it’s for: Ages 21+
Link for more information: runsignup.com
58th Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races
Brave the chilly temperatures by participating in a fun race and winning awards.
Cost: $10-$30
Location: Asbury Park Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
Time: 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 26
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Shore A.C.
18th Annual JSRC New Year’s Eve 2 Mile Twilight Fun Run/Walk & Party
Kick off the New Year right with this charity run benefitting Manasquan PBA and Allaire Community Farm. Don’t miss out on the free buffet after the race.
Cost: $20-$30
Location: Leggett's Sand Bar, 217 1st Ave., Manasquan, NJ
Time: 4 p.m. on Dec. 31
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Morris County
NJ Winter Trail Series
Whether you’re participating in the 10K, 5K or 13.1M, you’re sure to enjoy the sights of nature during this run.
Cost: $35-$40
Location: Lewis Morris Park 270 Mendham Rd., Morristown, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Dec. 4, Dec. 18, and Jan. 22
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: NJ Trail Series
Hot Cocoa 5K
Dash or walk through the hills of Morris Central Park XC Course while benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Don’t forget to grab a mug of hot cocoa at the finish line.
Cost: $40
Location: Central Park of Morris County, Morris Plains, NJ
Time: 10 a.m. on Dec. 12
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Fifth Annual St. Marks New Year’s Day 5K
Explore the beautiful Long Valley area on New Year’s Day. All participants get post-race snacks, drawings and awards to kick off 2022 right.
Cost: $25
Location: St Mark the Evangelist RCC, 59 Spring Ln, Long Valley, NJ
Time: 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 1
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: St. Marks New Year’s Day 5K
Ocean County
Toms River Police Jingle Bells 5K Run
Enjoy the scenic neighborhood of Toms River while helping to fund local scholarships for high-school students. The race includes a Kiddie Dash as well as 1-mile and 5K options.
Cost: $0-$28
Location: Downtown Toms River, NJ
Time: 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 5
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: Toms River Police Foundation
Donut Trail Behind "4 Sweet Miles"
Experience beautiful beginner-friendly trails of Jakes Branch County Park. This race includes a donut, neck gaiter, medal and shirt with your registration.
Cost: $30
Location: Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Rd., Beachwood, NJ
Time: 9 a.m. on Jan. 9
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
Union County
Cranford Santa Run
Benefits for this “Santa run” go toward Live Run Give Christmas Fund, which gives gifts and food to families in need.
Cost: $30-$36
Location: Nomahegan Park,1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford, NJ
Time: 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 11
Who it’s for: All ages
Link for more information: runsignup.com
