Smithfield Township, Pennsylvania · Saturday, September 26, 2026
The Water Gap 50k and Half is a 25k, 50k, and ultra event held on Saturday, September 26, 2026. It is located at Milford Beach Road in Smithfield Township, Pennsylvania.
Lake Hopatcong “Tri”s Harder
Join us for the 3rd Annual Lake Hopatcong Sprint Triathlon Challenge, presented by Saint Clare’s Health! Whether you’re going solo or racing as a team, this event is all about pushing yourself, cheering each other on, and celebrating the strength of our community.
Sprint Triathlon Distances:
400m Swim
12.5 Mile Bike
3.1 Mile Run
Your Registration Includes:
A super-soft race shirt
Custom finisher’s medal
Relay Option – Share the Fun:
Want to take on the triathlon with your crew? Relay teams of two or three athletes can divide the swim, bike, and run however they like. Maybe one teammate does the swim, another tackles the bike, and the last handles the run—or double up if someone’s feeling ambitious. Friends, family, coworkers—everyone’s welcome. All ages and team combos are encouraged! Just make sure to register as a group.
Course Overview:
Start with a 400-meter open water swim at Crescent Cove Beach in Hopatcong. From there, hit the road for a beautiful AND challenging 12.5-mile bike course through the Northwood section of town and into Jefferson before looping back. Finish strong with a 3.1-mile out-and-back run along Lakeside Blvd to Maxim Glen and back—where a big finish line celebration awaits.
Support the Cause – Fundraising Perks:
We’re proud to support our local Lake area PBAs. Raise $150 or more and score a ridiculously comfy, ultra-fabulous race sweater courtesy of Live Run Give LLC. It’s our way of saying thanks for going the extra mile.
About Lake Hopatcong:
Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater lake in New Jersey—a year-round destination for boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and more. With 45 miles of shoreline, you’ll find marinas, waterfront dining, public beaches, and a laid-back vibe just 40 miles from NYC. It’s the perfect spot for a race-cation or a quick escape.
Benefiting:
Hopatcong PBA – proudly supporting those who serve our community every day.
NJ Trail Series One Day
72 / 48 / 24 / 12 / 6 Hour Races, plus Marathon and 50 KM, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
Course Description:
Certified NJ24029JLW, NJ24028JLW, NJ24025JLW 1.000 miles flat loop on pavement and crushed gravel
Special start line for those doing the Marathon or 50K
Certified Marathon Course (NJ24029JLW) Boston Qualifier
Certified 50K Course (NJ24028JLW)
Certified 50 Mile Time - will be exactly 50 laps
Certified 100 Mile Time - will be exactly 100 laps
IAU Bronze Label
USATF Sanctioned event
Lit course at night
Display showing laps completed and position in race
Heated bathrooms with shower facilities on course
You don't run though them but the course goes in front of them
Full kitchen to provide hot and cold food at Aid Station
Access to Kitchen to cook your own food
Plenty of parking
Grassy areas for tents,-$30 additional a day/night
Spots available for RV Parking - $55 additional a day/night
**For ALL races; you can receive a 50% refund until 8 weeks before race date. After that NO REFUNDS. ** If you transfer your bib to another runner, please contact us with the new runner's information ASAP.
LAP COUNTING:
Laps will be tracked for each runner using MYLaps ProChip & scoring system. As each runner crosses over the mat to mark a “split,” the system will record it. Since the mat will be passed each time the runner circles the course, each split is thus equal to one lap. One word of caution regarding the counting of laps; Only completed laps will count towards your overall total mileage.
Pacers: This is a very runnable course and pacers will not be allowed. You would have to work hard to get lost and in the spirit of competition try to do your best on your own efforts.
Any two or more registered runners though can run together as much as they desire. This is true no matter which race you are entered, all runners will be using the same course.
AID STATIONS:
One aid station will be open from 9:00am on Thursday through Sunday morning. The aid station is run by the finest crew of ultra running cooks. They will prepare an array of food that keeps you full of energy and your palate entertained. Special Veggie / Vegan foods are available through out the entire event. It will also be stocked with the usual ultra fare as well as hot and cold food for the entire event. Participants and crew will have access to prepare their own special concoctions. Access to the walk in refrigerator is available to everyone as well. Please notify Race Directors or kitchen staff, if access to kitchen is wanted.
TOILETS:
Sussex County Fairgrounds has public restrooms located just a few steps from the course. There are also Shower facilities located inside the rest rooms.
AWARDS:
Awards will be presented on-site to the TOP 3 male and TOP 3 female completing the greatest number of miles for ALL timed races. First Place wins 100% discount, Second Place wins a 75% discount and Third Place wins a 50% discount to the future race in the same event. Winners will have the choice between 3 Days at the Fair in May or NJ Trail Series One Day in October.
There must be a minimum of 10Male/10Female participants in each timed race for it to be award eligible
🥒🏃♂️ Get ready to Run for the Pickles! 🏃♀️🐶
Join us at Warren County Community College for the wildly fun and slightly briny Sterbenz Run for the Pickles 5K & 2K Pup Strut — a one-of-a-kind race event for runners, walkers, and pickle lovers alike! Whether you're chasing a PR or just here for the post-race pickle party, this event has something for everyone.
The 5K course winds through scenic campus trails, while the 2K Pup Strut offers a relaxed, pet-friendly walk perfect for you and your four-legged friend. All participants receive a custom race shirt, a one of a kind finisher medal, and of course... a pickle-themed treat at the finish line no matter if you ran the 5k or walked the 2K Pup Strut!
Event Schedule
Check-in: 9:30 AM
5K and Pup strut start at 11 a.m.
How it Works
T-shirts and one-of-a-kind finisher medals are guaranteed to the first 250 people who register. Light refreshments will be provided. Friendly, four-legged participants are welcome to join. Costumes are encouraged! Gather with us afterward for a quick celebration and official awards presentation to recognize the outstanding efforts of our participants and teams.
Course Certification
The Sterbenz Miles of Smiles 5k is an official, USATF-Certified (code NJ23046JLW) and World Athletics (USA-2023-209) certified course! Extending our course to utilize a portion of the Warren County Technical School and Warren County property nearby, one loop is exactly 2.5km. Runners will complete the loop twice and follow the alternative finish path. CLICK HERE to see the map of the course with details.
About the Event
The inaugural event, called the Sterbenz Run for Abilities, was created by Paul and James Sterbenz in 2020 as a response to the COVID pandemic and a desire to replace cancelled running events while raising needed funds for Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. Completing the 27 mile “marathon” from Alexandria Township to Lambertville, NJ on a sultry June morning, Paul and James crossed the finish line and successfully raised nearly $12,000! The Sterbenz Miles of Smiles was created in 2022 and expanded to include participants of all abilities- runners, walkers, rollers, strollers and even those with four legs!
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Don’t miss the chance to run, strut, and crunch your way through this unique, fun-filled community event!
2026 Registration Opens Friday 10/24 at 7 AM!
"Bethlehem should be on every runner's bucket list!"
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of running in an historic town filled with quaint shops and delicious restaurants, all during peak fall foliage!
REGISTER BETWEEN 10/24 and 10/31 and GET THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE!
Five events, including a Kids' Run!
Aardvark Sports Shop 3.8 Mile Trail Run, Friday 10/16 @ 4:30 pm
This 3.8 Mile Trail Run will be an adventure for beginners and season trail runners alike!
The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Kids Run, Friday 10/16 @ 5:30 pm now at ArtsQuest!
The Kids Run will now take place on First Street in front of ArtsQuest! Runners 5 and under will run 1/4 mile, runners 6-8 will run 1/2 mile, and runners 9-12 will run 1 mile. All kids will receive a custom BRF Bib and unique BRF medal! The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are thrilled to sponsor the 2nd Annual Kids Run. Iron Pigs Mascot, FeFe, will be on hand to greet and cheer on all the kids!
The Lexus 5K/10K, Saturday 10/17 @ 7:30 am (5K) & 9:00 am (10K)
The 5K and 10K will run over the Fahy Bridge and through the historic streets of Bethlehem, starting and finishing in front of the iconic Steel Stacks! Stick around after the 10K to show your support for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that kicks off at noon. Register for both the 5K and 10K with the Double Play and save on each race!
Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute Half Marathon, Sunday 10/18 @ 8:00 am
This 13.1-mile journey weaves through the heart of historic Bethlehem, showcasing the city's charming streets, scenic parks, and vibrant community spirit.
B. Braun Half Marathon Relay and Corporate Challenge, Sunday 10/18 @ 8:00 am
Teams of 3 will run segments of 5 miles, 5 miles, and 5K. The top 3 M/F/co-ed teams will win awards AND the top team affiliated with any local corporation will get their names engraved on the 4-foot Corporate Challenge Cup!
Triple Play
Run Saturday's 5K & 10K and Sunday's Half Marathon and you'll not only get a discount on each race, but you'll also get the 14" limited-edition Bethlehem Running Festival Medal Holder to display all that serious bling!
Quadruple Play Marathon Challenge
Run all four races and you'll complete a full marathon--26.2 miles--over three days! All Quadruple Play finishers will receive the 14" limited-edition Bethlehem Running Festival Medal Holder to display all that serious bling!
Swag! Runners know--Bethlehem bling is king!
All runners will receive:
a unique Bethlehem Running Festival long sleeve technical T-shirt
an artist-designed finisher's medal unique to each event
FREE Downloadable professional photographs with bib-tags
Customized Race Bib (register by 10/1)
*2025 Deferrals
All 2025 deferrals are activated when registration opens. If you deferred from 2025, you are automatically entered in the same event for 2026. You do not need to do anything else to register for 2026.
Lexus VIP Experience Registration add-on for the half marathon, Triple Play, or Quadruple Play.
Take the stress out of the early morning routine with private restrooms, gear check, continental breakfast items and more before and after your big moment.
Offering exclusive access to perks and conveniences, this registration add-on includes:
VIP packet pick-up area at expo
Dedicated free VIP parking
Dedicated indoor VIP room with refreshments right next to the start/finish line--open before, during, and after all races
Reserved indoor VIP restrooms
Separate VIP bag check
VIP Bethlehem Running Festival welcome bag
Saturday afternoon coffee and course preview with the Mayor of Running, Bart Yasso
Pre-race continental breakfast for Sunday's half marathon
The "With Swag" option comes with a Bethlehem Running Festival quarter-zip ($65 value) and our all-new Bethlehem Running Festival In-Training short sleeve
Awards
Top 3 Overall M/F in the Trail Race, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Relay (with co-ed), Triple Play, and Quadruple Play
Top 3 Overall Masters (40+) in the half marathon
Top 3 M/F for all events in the following age groups: 19&U, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Top 3 M/F in the 5K for the additional following age groups: 6-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19
New for 2025: Top 3 Overall M/F for the Triple and Quadruple Plays
Course Maps
Courses are at the bottom of this page! *Courses--particularly the trail course, subject to change.
Time Limits
Our courses run directly through the streets of Bethlehem, which cannot remain closed for longer than our allotted times. If you do not finish your event in the allotted time, you may be asked to cut part of the course or be picked up by our runner transport services.
5K: 1:00
10K: 1:45
Half marathon: 3:30
3.8 mile Trail race: 1:30
An American Cancer Society DetermiNATION Event!
A portion of your registration fees and 100% of any donations you make will benefit The American Cancer Society. We encourage all of our runners and their families to join the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk following our 10K on Saturday at noon.