Fitzgerald's 5K Lager Run & The Nipper Two Kilometer Run

🌸 Celebrate 50 Years of Racing Among the Blossoms! 🌸

We proudly present the 50th Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom 10K -USATF Team Coed Run set in the iconic Branch Brook Park.

This year isn’t just another race—it’s a celebration of five decades of running tradition. Dash beneath the breathtaking historic cherry tree groves at peak bloom and experience one of New Jersey’s most spectacular natural settings in a way only runners can. Whether you’re chasing a PR or soaking in the scenery, this anniversary edition promises an unforgettable race-day experience.

🏃‍♀️ Registration Fees

$45 – Pre-Registrants

$40 – USATF-NJ Member Pre-Registrants

$50 – Race Day Registration

All sales are final. No refunds for any reason.

📍 Packet Pick-Up

Sunday, April 12, 2026 (Race Day)

8:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Cherry Blossom Welcome Center Parking Lot

(Under the large tent — please follow posted signs)

Come be part of history. Run the blossoms. Celebrate 50 years. 🌸🏁

Join us for the Annual St. Cassian's 5K Race and Kids Fun Run presented by St. Cassian School, Montclair, NJ

The race will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield/Montclair, New Jersey. The Fun Run begins at 9:00 am and the 5K begins at 9:30 am.

USATF Certified Course<<<

All Fun Run participants receive a ribbon. In the 5K Run, medals will be presented to the overall male and female winners, along with age category winners (male and female), as well as new SC5K Finisher medal for all 5K participants!

Register online at www.runsignup.com. Race day registration begins at 8:00 AM at Brookdale Park.

5K:

Early Bird: $35 - Register before March 1, 2026; receive a Race Shirt

Regular Registration: $40 - Register by March 20, 2026 to receive a Race Shirt

Fun Run:

Early Bird: Kids $25 and Adults $30 - Register before March 1, 2026, and receive a Race Shirt

Regular Registration: Kids $30 and Adults $35 - Register by March 20, 2026 to receive a Race Shirt

The deadline for T-shirts is March 20th, so be sure to register before then to secure an awesome shirt!

FACEBOOK GROUP: Join the St. Cassian Race Community and encourage each other, share training tips, and get updates: https://www.facebook.com/stcassian5Kcougarchallenge/

We will be providing two mini buses with 14 seats to and from the Jersey City Half Marathon and Marathon departing from Fleet Feet Montclair (603 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair) between 5:00 and 5:15am. They will drop runners off near the start / finish area in Jersey City by 6:00am. Plan to arrive early so you have plenty of time to park and get to the buses no later than 5:10am. We will start checking people in and loading the buses at 5:00am so each bus can leave as soon as it is full.

For the return trip, we will let you know where the buses will be parked or where it will pick you up. We expect them to start leaving from Jersey City at 10:00am with each bus leaving as soon as it is full. This will limit the wait time for a bus whether you are running the marathon or half marathon and whether you are a fast or slow runner. Please make sure to let us know at check-in if you are not planning to take the bus back so we don't end up waiting for you. Roundtrip fares only. Runners and spectators are welcome to join us.

Book your reservation early to be sure of a seat. Registration will close when we reach capacity. The cost is $40 for members of the Essex Running Club or their immediate family or $50 non members. There will be NO REFUNDS (unless the race is canceled). Visit www.essexrunning.com/join-us/ for information on how to become a member of the Essex Running Club and to be eligible for the lower price for club members.