7 walking events in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey

The Starting Point of New Jersey 5K and 1-Mile Walk returns on April 4th at Cooper River Park in Camden County, a powerful community event centered on hope, healing, and resilience. This year we will be starting at the Piazza at the Park on North Park Drive (near lion statue).

This annual gathering brings people together for a cause that touches us all. Whether you’re running in honor of a loved one, walking your own path, or showing up to champion mental wellness and recovery, every step helps break stigma and build connection.

Proceeds directly benefit Starting Point, a nonprofit offering access to counseling, addiction recovery, support groups, and wellness services, because no one should face life’s challenges alone.

Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners overall (by gun time) and age group awards will be given to the top three male and female in each of the following age groups (by net time): 14 and under 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over.

The chip will be timed on a USATF-certified course. There will be a finish line video, and all finishers will receive an e-text message within seconds of finishing, demonstrating their time and pace. Results will be posted at the race site and online the same day, along with an overall listing of finishers and award winners.

This year we are proud to honor Rose Austin with the Community Award. Rose is a teacher at Haddon Township High School and advisor to the school’s Herren Project Club. Since founding the club in 2021, she has helped students raise awareness about substance use disorder, promote healthy lifestyles, and support local organizations including Starting Point.

Through student-led initiatives, substance-free events, and community fundraising, Rose and her students are helping break stigma and build a culture of compassion and prevention. We are honored to recognize her leadership and partnership with Starting Point at this year’s 5K.

Bib packet pickups will be at the Haddonfield Running Company on 121 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ on

Friday, April 3rd, 3:00-7:00 PM

Sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.

Chip Timing is provided by South Jersey Race Timing LLC.

Our third annual TUWT X HOMEWARD BOUND 5K!

Location: Cooper River at the track!

Check in begins at 9:30AM.

We will begin the event at 10AM beginning with introducing the 10+ adoptable dogs on site. You will hear their story and hopefully fall in love and adopt or foster!

After the dog introductions, we will take a group photo which I forget every year so someone please remind me. Then comes the fitness portion of our event!

You will have three options:

Option 1: Run or walk the 5k perimeter around Cooper River Park. The top 3 females and top 3 males will win a TUWT gift card!

Option 2: Walk or run around the track!

Option 3: Pet and play with the adoptable dogs on site.

ANY PERSON THAT ADOPTS A DOG AT THE EVENT RECEIVES A FREE TUWT MONTH!

There will also be food, drinks, and local vendors and tables that are all dog and pet friendly!

We hope to see you there!

All proceeds will be donated to Homeward Bound, a local animal shelter that is constantly overwhelmed with homeless dogs and cats. These workers and volunteers do everything and anything they can to help these animals find their forever homes. Our money goes towards keeping these animals fed, safe, comfortable and healthy while they wait. Many animals are so stressed and depressed in these crates and shelters. Please consider adopting or fostering!

We are beyond excited to celebrate the 6th Annual Philadelphia HBCU 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 27, 2026! This milestone event is a true testament to the incredible support and dedication from our community, and it’s thanks to all of you that this has become the largest run/walk of its kind in the country.

For the past six years, we’ve come together in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware, alongside our HBCU Alumni Alliance affiliates in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., to raise crucial funds for our students while promoting healthy living. With your help, we’ve successfully raised over $100K in scholarships, directly benefiting students across our region.

This year, we return to Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ, with the excitement of both in-person and virtual participation to ensure everyone—no matter where they are—can continue to support this incredible cause. Together, we are building on the legacies of our beloved HBCUs, and every step taken will help continue this powerful tradition.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our corporate and individual supporters for your unwavering commitment. Your involvement brings our event motto to life: “Run for YOU, Run for THEM, Run for OUR LEGACY.” Without your support, this event would not be possible.

Let’s continue this journey together, honoring the past, empowering the future, and running for the next generation of HBCU students! Thank you for being part of this legacy!

Service is our Legacy & Future,

Khia K. Naylor

President

YOU MUST REGISTER BY 6/7/26 FOR SHIRT GUARANTEE.

RACE DETAILS

• ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR IN-PERSON PARTICIPANTS ENDS SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026.

• ALL SHIRTS MUST BE PICKED UP IN PERSON.

• NO SHIRT GUARANTEE AFTER 6/7/2026.

• VIRTUAL REGISTRATION ENDS SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026

• ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS!!!!!!

How do I participate in the VIRTUAL race this year?

We have a VIRTUAL Race Week too!

$45

FLAT RATE VIRTUAL REGISTRATION

*Includes shipping of event shirt & swag

• Select the virtual option during registration.

• Run or walk a 5k on the treadmill, around your neighborhood, your favorite walking trail or park, even your own backyard.

• VIRTUAL RACE WEEK is June 22nd - June 27th

• All race packets for virtual participants will be mailed (shipping fees have already been included in your registration fee)

• As with every year, the proceeds from this fundraiser will provide much needed support to our students by way of our local HBCU Alumni Member Schools and other participating organizations.

Once you have completed the race, you will be required to confirm your results by signing into the Race Roster account via email or entering your last name and confirmation number. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be prompted to enter your results. You may be able to upload your results as soon as you have completed the race (Strava, Runkeeper, iWatch, Treadmill, or any tracking app you use). Click here for result upload instructions.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE

Click here to view our support packages

Why partner with the PHBCUAA?

Becoming a community partner for the HBCU 5K provides an opportunity for both seasoned runners and newcomers to promote healthy living while helping students in need of financial support to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This health-focused event is powered by over 17 HBCU member schools from across the nation, with an alumni network of more than 10,000 graduates in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area.

With your generous partnership, we can combine our resources and expertise to create impactful programs and services that strengthen our communities and provide essential support to underserved populations.

• Health & Wellness

• Hunger Relief

• Higher Education Advocacy