Friends of TJ 5K Fun Run

For the year 2026, we will be doing the Paterson Great Falls 5k Race Run/walk the distance on the official Paterson Great Falls 5k course. Post a picture of your run to Facebook or Instagram using #patersongreatfalls5k.

Paterson Great Falls 5k is a 3.1 mile race is for both the serious athlete looking for a PR or an individual looking for a fun experience with family and friends on Labor Day. This race will take you through the historic sites of Paterson. The race will start alongside the Paterson Great Falls, run alongside the Lou Costello statue, run past the Paterson Museum, run past Hinchliffe Stadium, pass Veteran's Park, run in Pennington Park and back to the Paterson Great Falls towards the finish line.

Same Day registration and packet pick up starts at 7am at the Paterson Museum. Race starts at 8:30am

🥟🐾 Did someone say EMPANADAS?! We sure did! 🐾🥟

Join us this fall in Jefferson, NJ, for the Great Empanada 5K, 10K & 2K Pup Strut —a scenic run or walk around Lake Shawnee, topped off with a FREE golden, flaky empanada from Chava's Empanadas waiting at the finish line!

🏃‍♂️ Choose your distance:

• 5K – $38

• 10K – $48

• 2K Pup Strut – $25

(plus RunSignUp fees)

💥 tech shirt (guaranteed if you register by September 6th

• A finisher’s medal (yes, it’s empanada-themed!)- First 200 registrants

• Sports tech race tee (first 200 registrants)

• Entry into one of the tastiest, fur-friendliest events around

🐶 Running with your pup? We’d love it! The 1-Mile K9 Walk and 5K are both open to dog owners!

🎗 This race benefits The Jefferson Education Foundation!

📅 Date: September 27

📍 Location: Lake Shawnee, Jefferson, NJ

🌧 Rain, snow, or shine—we run!

🎟 Register now before we sell out:

Bring your family. Bring your pup. And bring your appetite for FUN! 💥

The 47th Terri Roemer Paramus Run will kick off at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Paramus, New Jersey. As we did last year, the Run will partner with the Valley Hospital Auxiliary!

Funds raised from the event will benefit the Paramus Scholarship Fund and Valley Home Care's Butterflies, a specialized program for seriously ill children.

Sponsorship opportunities available! By becoming a sponsor, you will have a substantial presence, demonstrating that you are fully involved in your community.

Location

Fairfield Inn & Suites Paramus, Paramus Park Shopping Center

GPS Address: 601 From Road, Paramus, NJ. See map/directions below.

Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: SCHEDULE IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

7:30 am - Packet Pick-up Begins

9:00 am - Marty Roemer Memorial 10K Run

10:05 am - 10K Awards

11:00 am - Lou Lanzalotto Memorial 5K Run presented by La Bella Roma Pizzeria and Ristorante and Valley Hospital 5K Health Walk

12:15 pm - One Mile Fun Run for Kids (age 13 and Under)

12:30 pm - 5K Awards, Post-Race Party, and Raffle Drawings (you must be present to win!)

Entry Fees

10K, 5K, or Walk $35 ($32 USATF).

$50 if participating in both the 5K and 10K.

Fun Run $15

Prices go up on September 1st, and again on Race Day.

Registration

On-site on Race Day, or click here to register now.

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up

TBD!

Courses

USA Track and Field sanctioned and certified. Clocks at each mile. Both the 5K and 10K courses pass through scenic, tree-lined residential neighborhoods. The start and finish lines for both races are at Fairfield Inn & Suites at the Paramus Park Shopping Center. Water stations, excellent traffic control, and first-aid coverage throughout the course. USATF-NJ Paul Miller Auto Group Grand Prix Event. See course maps at paramusrun.com.

Scoring

Chrono Track B-Tag Scoring. Compuscore, compuscore.com

Awards

1, 2, 3 Overall and Age Groups, Male and Female

1, 2, 3 Paramus Resident, Male and Female

Age Groups

5-year Increments: 14 & under to 85 & over

Amenities

Long-Sleeve T-shirt (first 1000 entries).

Post-race DJ, drinks and snacks.

Post Race Raffle.

More Information

paramusrun.com, (201) 265-9321

Race Day Cell

(973) 305-8326