Columbia Cougars - Saint Patrick's Day 5K

Join us for the 4th Annual Kean University Founders 5K to celebrate Kean University's inception in 1855!

Sunday, April 12th, 2026

Check in: 7:30am

Race Start: 9:00am

Location: Campus Course, North Avenue Entrance

1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083

Course Description: Flat & paved 2 loop course

Packet Pickup:

Skip the check in line on Sunday morning! All runners and walkers can pick up their race shirt and bib on Saturday 4/11 from 10:00am-2:00pm in Kean's North Avenue Academic Building Lobby (Google Maps)!

USATF Certified: 26-07-161984

Age Groups:

14 and Under

15 to 19

20 to 24

25 to 29

30 to 34

35 to 39

40 to 44

45 to 49

50 to 54

55 to 59

60 to 64

65 to 69

70 to 74

75 to 79

80 and Over

🌸 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. 🌸🏁

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.