11 Upcoming 5K Runs in New Jersey

Lace up your sneakers and start running! A 5K is a great way to kick off the holiday season and for many families in New Jersey, it’s a holiday tradition.

Start your day with some fresh air and a little exercise by signing up for one of the many upcoming runs taking place throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties in the next couple of months.

You can join as a group, with a running partner or go at it alone. If you would rather walk the 3.1 miles, you can do that too!

I took part in a Turkey Trot last Thanksgiving and had a blast! It was my first time doing a 5K on Thanksgiving. It was a real party atmosphere! So many people participated in the run while so many others lined the streets and cheered us on. It was a great way to start the day, hanging out with friends and supporting a local charity.

Here's a list of 11 local 5K runs you can take part in. Have fun and happy running!

Thanks4Giving Turkey Dash

Asbury Park, November 18

Sign Up: thx4giving.org

Manasquan Turkey Trot

Manasquan, November 18

Sign Up: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Manasquan/ManasquanTurkeyTrot

Howell 5K Turkey Trot

Howell, November 19

Sign Up: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Howell/Howell5kTurkeyTrot2MileFunRunWalk

Matawan Borough Turkey Trot

Matawan, November 25

Sign Up: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Matawan/MATAWANBOROUGH5K

Navesink Challenge

Middletown, November 26

Sign Up: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Middletown/NavesinkChallenge

Asbury Park Santa Run

Asbury Park, December 2

Sign Up: apsantarun.com

Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run

Holmdel, December 2

Sign Up: events.arthritis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1546

Toms River Jingle Bells Run

Toms River, December 3

Sign Up: tomsriverpolicefoundation.org/jingle-bells-run

NJ Holiday 5K

Lincroft, December 23

Sign Up: citytri.com/new-jersey-holiday-run/

Asbury Park Polar Bear Races

Asbury Park, December 30

Sign Up: shoreac.org/polar-bear-races

FARC Winter Race Series

Freehold, January 7, 14, 21, 28, and February 4

Sign Up: farcnj.com