Mercer County Half Marathon

RUN FOR DAD is the American Cancer Society’s premier community event to raise funds and build awareness about prostate cancer. Now in its 22nd year, RUN FOR DAD, is changing it's date! Usually taking place every Father’s Day, we have decided to move to September which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Join us on September 26, 2026 as this event honors the memory of Frank Simms, event co-founder and all those who lost their battle with prostate cancer.

Over 1,000 people attend this family fun event which consists of a 5K Run and 2-mile walk. Small children are invited to take part in the Kids Run For Dad, a series of small races where they are all winners.

In 2023, approximately 228,800 men in the US were diagnosed with prostate cancer and over 27,500 died from the disease. About one man in seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. New Jersey has the third highest incidence per capita of prostate cancer in the US. Even worse, in African American men, the incidence is roughly 60% higher than those of white or Asian men. There is good news however. The 5-year survival rate for men whose prostate cancer is detected early is nearly 100% and 93% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will live 10 years or more. Education, awareness and personal action are saving lives and finding a cure.

Join us for The 5K at Hamilton.

This event promises to be one of the most inspiring and meaningful events held in NJ.

Held in beautiful Veterans Park on a course famous for fast times and fun gatherings, the 5k Race and 1 Mile fun walk benefits the 501C3 public charity AFAR (A Future-After-Rehab). AFAR has been in operation since 2016 and operates 5 sober living homes in the Hamilton, Bordentown and Burlington area.

This year, the event has been added to the USATF's Grand Prix Series with awards in 5 Year age groups through 90 and over!

Rain or Shine

T-Shirts Guaranteed to first 80 Registrants

THIS RACE IS A USATF SANCTIONED EVENT AND PART OF THE 2026 GRAND PRIX RACE SERIES!

Location

Veteran's Park

2206 Kuser Rd Hamilton Township, NJ US 08690

Description

Strides 4 Gianluca is an official 501c3 nonprofit

Join us on Sunday October 11, 2026 for our 1st annual Cerebral Palsy Awareness 5K. This year's race will take place at Veteran's Park located at 2206 Kuser Rd. Hamilton Township, NJ 08690. Proceeds from the race benefit Strides 4 Gianluca.They are dedicated to create an impact for those affected by cerebral palsy. Their mission is to help create awareness while also helping support CP research organizations, families affected by CP, and other various projects. This race will be held in honor of World Cerebral Palsy awareness day which is on October 6th.

Run or walk a 5K through beautiful Veteran's Park. Medals will be awarded to the Overall Top Female & Male Finishers and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd female and male finishers of each age group. Come out to support a great cause at this fun family event!

• Participant t-shirts cannot be guaranteed if registered after 9/26/2026.

• Distribution will be at the 5K location only on race day. T-shirts will not be mailed.

• Registration fee: $35 early bird till May 26th. Price increase to $40 from May 27- Sept 7th. Price increase $45 from Sept 8th- October 10th

• The 5K begins at 9:00 AM.

• Run is rain or shine, and only in the event of emergency weather the run will be cancelled.

• Strollers are welcome but must line up at the back of the start.

• See course map here

Can’t make it out in person? Registered for another 5K the same day? Here are some other options:

• Register for our virtual 5K run/walk. Wear your best green shirt and run or walk anytime from when registration opens to end of October to help create awareness. Please tag us on social media and we’ll gladly share your achievement. Our virtual option does not come with our 5K shirt option and times do not count towards the official in person 5K.

• Virtual runners can also visit our online apparel shop if they wish to run with some official cerebral palsy awareness gear! Visit our online shop

• Not a runner? Simply donate to show your support or volunteer at our 5K event! Contact our race director if you’re interested.

Tribe is an opportunity for those to see how great they are. This event is built to test your strength, endurance, and mental toughness, with eight grueling stations broken up and 400m interval runs in between. Wave descriptions are below:

WAVES

Elite Singles & Open Singles - Take on the course solo. Elites are eligible for age-group prizes and banners!

Elite Doubles & Open Doubles - Take the course with a friend and split the zones as you see fit! Elites are eligible for age group prizes and banners!

Relays - 4-person teams that can be all men, all women, or co-ed (2 male & 2 female). Eligible for age group prizes and banners!

Gym Champions Relay - Each Gym affiliate will select representatives to participate in this wave. Ask your gym's owner for more information!

THE COURSE

Zone 1 - 15 Cal Assault Bike Center

Zone 2 - ?? MYSTERY ZONE ??

Zone 3 - 500m Ski

Zone 4 - 100m Ram Walking Lunges (44 lb Men, 33lb Women)

Zone 5 - 500m Row

Zone 6 - Sand Bag Suicide

Zone 7 - ?? MYSTERY ZONE ??

Zone 8 - 100m Sled Push (300 lb men / 200 lb women) Sprint to Finish Line