7 events in Essex County, New Jersey
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find 5k events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Essex County
7 events in Essex County-
Sun, May 17, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
This isn’t just another 5K—it’s a part of the bigger movement for reproductive health. And that movement is powered by the support of folks just like you!
The Rage Run is more than a race; it’s a rallying cry. It’s about showing up in whatever way works for you, taking action, and turning our collective energy into real change. Whether you run, walk, or roll, your participation helps amplify this message, support high-quality reproductive healthcare, and make a tangible impact in our local communities.
Every mile, every push, every moment you show up is a statement. Together, we’re moving forward toward a future where everyone has access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, no matter what.
Ready to take part in the movement? Let’s do this.
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Sun, May 31, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
May 31, 2026
South Orange Rescue Squad
“Sound The Siren” 5k Run / Walk & EMS Open House
The 2026 "Sound The Siren" 5K is back! Join us Sunday morning, May 31st for another fun day.
Run or walk the 5k (or a shorter 1.3 mile route), and then join us at the end where kids and adults alike can tour our ambulances, equipment and headquarters and learn about EMS in South Orange and Maplewood!
Free Food and beverages provided.
All proceeds go to providing free Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the residents of South Orange, Maplewood and the surrounding communities.
The South Orange Rescue Squad is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization staffed by volunteers and funded solely by contributions from the community. None of our members are compensated for their work, we receive no taxpayer funding, and never charge a fee for our services.
2025 Race Photos
2025 Results
This is a USATF certified 5K course
USATF CERTIFIED 5K COURSE MAP
OPTIONAL 1.3 MILE WALKING ROUTE MAP
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Sun, Jun 07, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
The North Jersey Pride Run is a 5K and Kids Race in South Orange, NJ that brings our community together and raises funds for North Jersey Pride, Inc.
North Jersey Pride, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to supporting LGBTQ youth and families through programming and events in the Garden State. We aim to inspire our larger ally community to get involved in the struggle for full equality and to join us in building a world where all young people feel safe, loved and accepted for who they are.
North Jersey Pride Run Details:
5K for participants 18 and older: $25 ($30 on Race Day)
5K for participants under 18 years: $15 ($30 on Race Day)
Kids' Race (3-9 years old): $5 ($10 on Race Day)
This USATF-certified 5K course begins and ends in Grove Park, South Orange, NJ. Runners and walkers of all ages, speeds, and styles are welcome to participate in the 5K. Come with your kids, your strollers, and your (5K capable) pets for a good time in the back of the pack. Looking for a PR on this flat, fast certified 5K course? Then step up to the front and lead the way!
Grove Park is in walking distance to the NJ Transit South Orange Train Station.
Race Start Time: 9:00am
Kids Race Start Time: 10:00am in Grove Park
All children ages 3-9 years old are eligible for the Kids' Race. Depending on the number of participants, the Kids' Race may be divided into heats based on age (distance may be adjusted based on age group as well).
In the past many young children run the both the 5K and the Kids Race. It was wonderful to see so many young people out on the 5K course together. Please contact us if you have any questions about your young child participating in the 5K distance.
Awards
Age groups: Under 10, 10-13, 14-17, 18-22, 23-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Within each age group, the runners with the top three times in each of the three gender categories (female, male, and nonbinary) will receive awards.
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Sun, Jun 14, 2026 at 4:45 PMSee full details
The Fitzgerald’s Lager Run 5K and The Nipper 2K are open to runners, joggers, strollers, & walkers of all ages and Benefits the Glen Ridge Community Fund, a not-for-profit 501C3 charity.
Fitzgerald’s fees: 5K $35.00 inclusive of the RSU fee with a 10% USATF-NJ discount. Increasing to $40.00 on April 15, 2026 then $45.00 on June 1. A 10% discount for USATF NJ members prior to 6/7/26 (5K only) at checkout with your USATF NJ member number.
The Nipper Two Kilometer Run: $25.00 inclusive of the RSU fee… Increasing to $30 on June 1, 2026.
We now have an option to run BOTH races for $60.00 inclusive of the RSU fee. Increasing to $70 on May 1, 2026
The Lager Run 5K Course is a USATF Certified, NET DOWN HILL route along the beautiful tree-lined, gas-lit streets of Glen Ridge, N.J. with a fast track finish. The race is also the USATF-NJ Open Men & Women 5K Championship & Challenge (but the event is open to all runners and walkers).
The Nipper 2K is a is a USATF Certified net down hill course with a fast track finish.
AMENITIES: Commemorative New Balance singlets or a limited supply cotton T’s to all registrants. The top 100 M&F 5K finishers will receive a commemorative pint glass at the finish line. The finishers of The Nipper 2K will receive a commemorative medal at the finish line. Hoboken Beer, Wine, Water, Watermelon and Pretzels too.
This race will be held RAIN OR SHINE!
Fitzgerald’s Lager Run Update: HAVE YOUR ID WITH YOU AT CHECK-IN.
The State of NJ’s ABC requires us to issue wristbands to participants who wish to enjoy a post-race adult (alcohol) beverage. Participants can obtain their wristbands after picking up their bib at a separate area near check-in. This can be done before or after the race. Fitzgerald’s volunteers will check IDs to ensure participants are of legal age to consume adult beverages. (No bib, no id, no wristband). This additional step is mandated by the State of NJ-ABC.
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Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 12:00 AMSee full details
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.