Newark, New Jersey · Sunday, March 14, 2027
The March Madness Semi Marathon is a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, and running event held on Sunday, March 14, 2027. It is located in Newark, New Jersey.
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).
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.
Old Man Run Club was born in 2018 when three friends, tired of joking about their age while running through New York City, decided to turn those jokes into something real. After the NYC Marathon that year, they sent a group email with a simple ask: who wants to run long? Everyone showed up. Today, around 50 runners, many of them women despite the name, gather every Saturday at Urban Studios to run distances from 9 to 22 miles. Founded on the belief that long distances should feel approachable, not intimidating, OMRC has become a grounded community where honest miles and good company matter more than pace or experience. No gatekeeping, no pressure, just runners who understand what it means to go the distance together.
Lostboys Track Club started in June 2014 when Jeremy and Tim gathered friends who wanted more from their running. Inspired by the spirit of Peter Pan's lost boys, what began as a small group chasing races evolved into a thriving community of around thirty runners across New York City. The club believes ambitious goals and genuine joy belong together, with a philosophy rooted in dedication to craft, commitment to the grind, and shared belief in what each member is capable of. Bound by real friendship and an eclectic mix of backgrounds and abilities, Lostboys Track Club runs track sessions, city routes, and annual retreats outside the city. The races are the goal. The people are the reason.
Harlem Run started in November 2013 with a conviction that running could transform lives in one of New York City's most iconic neighborhoods. Founded on the streets that became their stage, this crew embodies community, service, and the power of movement. Runners, walkers, and joggers of all ages, sizes, and abilities call Harlem Run home, united by the belief that fitness belongs to everyone. Completely free to join, they gather twice weekly on Mondays at Harlem Shake and Thursdays at Harlem United, starting on time and ending together with a crew stretch. If you love Harlem, you already belong here.