The March Madness Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Race Distances

5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon, 50K, 50M

The course will use existing fire roads, single track trail, hills and some pavement at South Mountain Reservation. The course is designed to be a mix of everything and fun. In early September, the course should be dry and run able. You will have access to aid approximately every 3 miles.

Course map here, https://sites.google.com/site/njtrailseries/fallapple

or here, https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nj-trail-series-fall-apple-2e1b24a

In honor of the Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids, our 6th annual 5K to Wellness is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ.

The Boys & Girls Club of Newark (BGCN) is an after-school program in Newark. We are more than an after-school program. We believe in supporting children from a holistic approach. On-site at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, we have a pediatric dental center that provides no cost to low-cost dental services to children in the community, food distributions, vision care, and social and emotional support to children who attend the program.

Our first 5K fundraiser in 2021, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic that illuminated more access to care, allowed us to hire an additional wellness support staff to expand our wellness program. In addition, last year’s event catalyzed us to launch our mental and behavioral health clinic in October 2022. With your participation, we can expand our mental and behavioral service to our members and the greater Newark community by hiring additional licensed mental health practitioners. Additionally, your support will provide families access to nutrition education, case management to address immediate daily needs and dental and vision care. BGCN requests your support to make our 5th annual 5K to Wellness a success!

When you race with us, you will get cool stuff, too! You will receive a t-shirt and a 5K run/walk finisher medal. The race will take place on a USATF-certified course and is sanctioned.

Age Group Awards (M&F Overall Top 3, 15 & under, 16 -19, 20 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, 70+ )

Join us, as we would love to take a 5K run/walk to Wellness with you!

Parking Information

There is parking located at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. Additional free parking is available at a side parking lot at 987-1051 Franklin Ave, Newark, NJ 07107. There is a path from this lot leading into the park. You must cross the street toward the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center (a landmark near the start of the race).

Nothing matches the sheer scale and electric energy of New York City, a sprawling metropolis where the unique character of its five boroughs creates a global stage like no other. From the relentless hustle of Manhattan and the deep-rooted grit of the Bronx to the creative spirit of Brooklyn, the neighborhood pride of Queens, and the resilience of Staten Island, NYC is a city built on the strength and personality of its people. It is a place where community spirit is forged in the streets and legends are made every single day.

The New York DEKA FIT experience promises to be a high-profile takeover of the "City That Never Sleeps." This three-day fitness festival offers something for every type of athlete, featuring high-stakes Elite and Age Group heats alongside the heavy-hitting Ruck waves. You can rally your local crew for the 2-person and 4-person team challenges, or step up to the ultimate endurance test: the DEKA FIT Ultra. Whether you claim one of the five boroughs as home or are seeking out the ultimate race-cation destination, this is your chance to conquer the 10 functional zones and 5km of running under the world’s most iconic skyline.

Join us at 9am on Saturday, September 26th on the iconic Newstead 5K course, starting at the South Mountain Annex and running through the beautiful Newstead neighborhood!!!

Participants will receive a race T-shirt and collapsible cup (while supplies last).

The Newstead 5K prides itself on being a family-friendly event. Strollers are welcome but no pets please. There will also be two events exclusively for the kids. Shortly after the completion of the 5K, we will have a "Toddler Dash" on the lawn near the Annex perfect for kids ages 4 and under. After the completion of the dash, the 1/2 mile Kid's Fun Run will commence on the closed road in front of the Annex.