When it’s pushing 100 degrees outside and you’re a runner, you need some motivation to hit the pavement! After my friend told me about the Sea Girt 5K and the town’s Centennial celebration – I made it my mission to find the top 10 fun races this summer in New Jersey -personal opinion, of course!

 

Saturday, August 5: Sea Girt 5K Run/Walk

Registration/Information: http://www.seagirt5k.com/

Times: 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m., Kids Races begin at 10:00 a.m., and Kids’ Activities are from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Info: This is a traditional Jersey Shore race made even better this year by the borough and Police/Fire Departments celebrating their Centennial! The race brings competitors, fun

runners, walkers, and children all together! This is a chip-timed run for those looking to improve their time and enter the race competitively. The kids’ activities involve a climbing wall, inflatables, obstacle courses, and ice cream!

Entertainment/Food: Live music from Billy Lawler Band and an after-race party at Fratello’s Restaurant and Bar

Proceeds: Money raised will benefit the Sea Girt Recreation Center and their programs for children and adults. This year the Sea Girt 5K also teamed up with Red Sneakers for Oakley – which raises awareness of childhood asthma/allergies.

 

Saturday, August 5: Egg Harbor Stomp the Grapes 5K

Registration/Information: Stomp the Grapes Race Info

Times: 5K Race begins at 9:00 a.m.

Info: Take a chip-timed run through the Renault Winery – just minutes from the Jersey Shore! Complimentary glass of wine for finishers over 21 and souvenir wine glass for all finishers!

Entertainment/Food: Refreshments for everyone immediately following. For an additional $10, you can enjoy a lunch buffet by the renowned executive chef of Renault Winery!

 

Saturday, August 19: Insane Inflatable 5K (Drum Point Sports Complex,Brick Township)

Registration/Information: FB link for Inflatable 5K

Times: Race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Info: It’s not about the running, it’s the #CrazyFun! Feel like a kid going through insane obstacles like the “Wave Runner” or the “Mattress Run” on a 3.1-mile course.

Entertainment/Food: Midway Games & Inflatables, local food trucks, live radio station DJs, adult beverages, and merchandise/goodies from national and local sponsors!

 

Saturday, August 19: 1^st Annual All Cancers Suck -5K Color Run/Walk (Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, NJ)

Registration/Information: http://allcancerssuck.org/

Times: Race time from 9:30 a.m. till 12:00 p.m.

Info: A fun 5K/Walk/Run dedicated to the celebration of life and to recognize those living with cancer. A flat course with water misters and colors spraying/painting you the colors of a rainbow – representing the ribbons of all cancer colors!

Entertainment/Food: Vendors, goodie bags, and live music during and after the race!

Proceeds: Support whatever cancer your loved one is a survivor of or currently fighting – proceeds go to cancer research and awareness.

 

Sunday, August 20: Ocean City Guts & Glory 5K Run/Walk

Registration/Information: Guts & Glory Race Info: Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

Times: 5K begins at 8:00 a.m.           

Info: Certified track, run/walk through the gorgeous Ocean City beach town, pets & strollers welcome!

Entertainment/Food: Ocean City is a hot shore spot – and the race promises music, food, and tons of fun!

Proceeds: All proceeds benefit the Cohn’s and Colitis Foundation which is the only IBD research and support organization for this disease

 

Tuesday, August 22: The Brew Run Series 5K/Fun Run: Human Village Brewing Company (Pitman, NJ)

Registration/Information: Brew Run Sign Up/info

Times: Race is from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Info: 5K/Fun Run followed by immediate entrance to the brewery!

Entertainment/Food: Following the race there is a brewery tour, sampling of the local beer, music, and raffles. Party continues till 9:00 pm. There’s also race swag! Participants

choose from a Brew Run Growler or Pint Glass!

Proceeds: Money raised will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Gloucester County

 

Saturday, August 26: Apache Crossfit – Toms River Ratstafarian 5K/5-mile Run

Registration/Information: Ratstafarian Race Info

Times: Race begins at 10:00 a.m.

Info: If you’re a wilderness guy/gal, you’ll love this race! 100% off road running through swamps, creepy critters, streams (mid-calve deep), wood trails, and tons of yucky fun!

Entertainment/Food: Race ends with a celebratory party at The Bahama Breeze with dancing, eating, drinking, steel drums, and island atmosphere. All participants who pre-register get a hat, a rat bag, island drink, and food.

 

Saturday, August 26: Wall Township “Kids Tri for the Y”

Registration/Information: http://cymca.org/kidstriforthey/

Times: Tri events from 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 a.m.

Info: Join the YMCA of Wall Township for their inaugural triathlon for kids 16 years and under! Swim in the outdoor pool, take a trail bike ride, and complete a trail run! All events take place at Camp Zehnder

Entertainment/Food: Participants will get a t-shirt, refreshments, and awards will be presented

Proceeds: All money raised will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign which provides summer camp scholarships to families in financial hardship. Proceeds also go toward the LIVESTRONG campaign which delivers YMCA classes to adult cancer survivors – focusing on overall healthy living.

 

Saturday, September 23: The Heroes for Children 5K and Family Fun Walk – West Orange, NJ

Registration/Information: Super Hero Race Info

Times: 5K Run is 9 a.m. till 11a.m. and Family Fun Run/Walk is 10 a.m. till 11:30 a.m.

Info: Meet at the South Mountain Clipper Pavilion for a morning of family fun! Certified 5K course on flat pavement. Raise awareness about child abuse/neglect in NJ. Superhero costumes encouraged!

Entertainment/Food: Following the race is music, face painting, crafts, activities, $5 admission to Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena, and miniGolf (day of race only)

Proceeds: Money raised will benefit local Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) that make a difference in the lives of children of abuse/neglect

 

Sunday, September 24: Run the Vineyards – Down the Shore 5K (Cape May Winery)

Registration/Info: RuntheVineyardsDowntheShore5K

Times: Race time is from 9 a.m. till 12:00 p.m.

Info: Cape May Winery is the hottest winery destination this time of year! This is a chip-timed, 5K race with the last ¼ mile finishing through the winery! Walkers are welcome as long as you complete within one hour!

Entertainment/Food: Following the race enjoy 4 tasting areas with amazing views and plenty of seating in the vineyard. Your race souvenir will be a wine glass and tech shirt! Live music, food, and breathtaking views is all you need to complete the day!