8 running events in Wayne, New Jersey

THE SHAMROCK and A HARD PLACE has been CANCELLED for 2026. The weather has wreaked havoc on run/walk event attendance and in turn our PCTI event is presently at its lowest attendance level, 3 weeks out that we have seen in years. We will look for another date later in the year to get running together. APOLOGIES TO THOSE THAT HAVE PREREGISTERED. YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE REFUNDED MOMENTARILY. Stay safe out there and cherish the outside moments that are available (they have been few and far between).

**Shirts are based on availability.

Looking for a new venue in which to celebrate YOUR Irish heritage (even if you only have a sliver or a distant great, great grandparent) then look no further. Then again, perhaps you heard the rumors of the "running faithful", those that are out running and chatting through their weekends, and wanted to see what all the “hubbub” was about… you found them. Perhaps you went to Don Bosco Technical High School and know that several of our brethren came to Passaic County Technical Institute after DBT closed, and you are interested in a mini reunion!?!? Put them together and it’s time for a GREEN and GOLD celebration.

But first, why is the event called the "Sham Rock and a Hard Place 5K"?

I'll tell you. Passaic County Technical Institute, PCTI is located at the top of Preakness Avenue in Wayne. If you know the area there are varying degrees of elevation across the campus. It's simply not flat. Not the worst inclines by any means, just "hard". So jogging and walking are quite acceptable options for this “hard place”.

The venue (facilities) on the other hand are quite impressive. The PCTI campus (closed to traffic which makes it super safe) is quite something to look at provided all its amenities. It’s something of a small college rather than a high school and there is a nice warm place to congregate (should it be chilly), just off outside the start/finish (its common) BEFORE and AFTER hitting the asphalt.

As with prior PCTI events the following amenities will be provided:

Refreshments: Hot Bagels, Fruit, Hot Chocolate, Bottled Water (Sponsored by OrangeTheory - Wayne, NJ)

Awards: Age Group Awards (no Overalls): 19&Under, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79,80-89,90+ .. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, M & F. We will look to further divide/align the 19&Under AG based on participation.

Beneficiary: A portion of the proceeds will be split 50/50 between the PCTI / STEM Academy PTSOs.

🗺️ The Fool’s Adventure 10-Hour ROGAINE

This year’s Fool’s Adventure is a true, full-course foot ROGAINE — and as always, there are a few twists, surprises, and reasons to question your sanity along the way.

More than 100 checkpoints (CPs) are scattered across 8 square miles of rugged North Jersey wilderness — terrain that’s never before been used for any foot, bike, or paddle event. You can visit the CPs in any order, but be warned: your route choices may not stay as open as you think. Choose wisely… or be a fool!

📅 Event Details

Date & Time: 10-hour event, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Check-In: Opens at 6:30 AM

Location: North/Central New Jersey

(Exact location revealed closer to race day)

🎒 What You’ll Get

All racers receive:

Detailed maps, clues, rules, and passports

Access to one of the most creative and challenging ROGAINE courses in the region

The satisfaction of knowing you’ll spend a full day running, hiking, and navigating through wild, scenic terrain

🧭 How It Works

In true Fool’s style, there will be no traditional checkpoint flags.

Instead, each CP will be marked by an orange ribbon with its ID number printed on it.

To prove you found it, you may:

Record the CP number on your passport

Snap a photo of the tag

Dictate the number into your phone and transcribe it later

Choose your method — but accuracy counts!

👟 All registrations are as individuals. More information about teams will be released closer to the race.

🧰 Mandatory Gear

Every racer must carry:

Clothing appropriate for the day’s conditions

Personal first-aid kit and whistle

Cell phone (for emergencies)

Food and water for 10 hours

Compass — and the knowledge to use it

Navigation is entirely on foot — no GPS assistance allowed!

🏁 What to Expect

Expect challenge. Expect laughter. Expect frustration. Expect Rocks! Expect scenic views and vistas. Expect FUN!

You’ll question your compass, your route choices, and maybe even your life decisions — but you’ll finish with great stories, tired legs, and bragging rights earned the hard way.

Who We Are: Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

Pricing: The registration fee covers the entire five (5) weeks of the Series which includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online Early Bird registration increases three weeks prior to the first race event.

Challenger: This Series offers a Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs. This allows for parents, siblings, and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support as well as bringing their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc. to be used by runners.

Makeup Date Information: 5/31/2026

Single Day Racing: Single day race registration opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration. ALL single day registrations should be completed onsite at the race location. Single day racers will have the option to upgrade to the full series (see tab on the left side of the page for instructions). There is a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy.

Awards: All participants receive a medal on Week 5! Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the divisions listed below (broken out by boys and girls respectively):

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade

4th & 5th Grade

6th to 8th Grade

Challenger

Share your running photos with our community! Find us on Facebook @HealthyKidsRunning or Instagram @healthykidsrs!

#GetUpandGo

A Mile A Day For Jay 5K is an event that was created to honor a truly amazing, exceptional and one of a kind person--Jason Clemente. He was diagnosed in 2016 with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer and in 2019 was also diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. For 7 1/2 years, Jay battled cancer like a warrior and responded with an awe-inspiring determination to fight cancer and live his life to the fullest. No one loved life more than Jay. He didn't just live it, he left his mark on it. He filled it with joy, laughter and incredible moments. Jay left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and now, by coming together in his honor, we carry forward that legacy. Through our strides, his impact will continue-spreading cancer awareness and fueling hope.

*Official Race Shirt to the first 250 registrants

Donations will be going to Jay Clemente #223 Foundation

During his cancer battle, many friends and organizations came together to support his family. His family wanted to reciprocate the generosity and created the Detective Jay Clemente #223 Foundation to support other families who may be going through a difficult journey. The foundation was created in his memory allowing his spirit to guide us and continue to pay it forward. We walk/run in his honor and all those who are battling cancer.

This year, all of the proceeds from the A Mile A Day For Jay 5K will go to the Jay Clemente #223 Foundation to support the Tilves Family offset medical expenses. Jackson Tilves is currently battling a rhabdomyosarcoma brain tumor. He was first diagnosed and treated at the age of 18 with no evidence of disease for the past 7 years. Recently, the cancer has returned. He is currently undergoing treatment and medical expenses have been mounting. Please join us at the A Mile A Day For Jay 5K to honor all those who battle cancer and please consider donating as we help support Jackson with his battle with cancer.

Packet Pickup:

When: Saturday, April 25

Time: 7:30 am - 9:00 am

Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Parking Lot (580 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ)

Individual Awards: No Duplicate Awards

Top 3 Male and Female Overall

Age Group Awards: Top 3 Male and Female 14 and under and from 15-90+ in 5-year age groups.

14 and under

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85-89

90+

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or someone who loves a relaxed walk, this event is for YOU! The Run for the Last Mile 5K is an officially registered, USATF Sanctioned, and USATF-NJ Grand Prix 500 Point Race hosted on the scenic campus of William Paterson University.

This event isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about opening doors for our students. Every year, some students face financial barriers in their final semesters, unable to afford the last few courses they need to graduate. Proceeds from this event directly support the Last Mile Fund, a scholarship dedicated to bridging that affordability gap and helping students achieve their dreams of graduation.

But this day is about more than fundraising—it’s about community and connection. Individuals and teams (including community groups, student organizations, staff, and faculty) are invited to participate, with awards celebrating team spirit, enthusiasm, and performance on the course.

You’ll be cheered along the way by the sounds of William Paterson University’s nationally recognized BRAVE NEW RADIO, adding energy and excitement as you navigate the campus’s rolling hills and beautiful pathways.

If you wish to donate to the fund. Please do so at this link.

The first 250 registrants will receive a t-shirt and awards are given to top racers by individual categories and by team.

Students get a discounted rate use student2025 at checkout.

We thank our major sponsor and organizing partner: The Barwick Group

https://www.barwickgroup.com/

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for another year of community and competition. This annual event is a vital fundraiser for the Wayne Rotary, helping us secure the funds necessary to support our local community. Continuing our long-standing tradition, a portion of the race proceeds will be awarded to the Wayne Area High School running programs.

Race Highlights

• Known for being super-fast and flat, our course adjacent the Our Lady of the Valley Church is back in the spotlight and available to provide your next PR!

• We are honored to once again host a USATF Championship in 2026. The Rotary is super excited to welcome the USATF and their competitive Coed Teams back to for a second year.

• Costco will once again sponsor the event with a smorgasbord of baked good! There is something delicious for everyone.

• The Awards & After Party will be held at the Village Inn!

Note: Site maps can be found at the bottom of this page!

About the Wayne Rotary Club-Foundation

Established in 1958, the Wayne Rotary Club-Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Guided by the motto "Service Above Self," our members volunteer locally, regionally, and internationally to:

• Combat hunger and improve health and sanitation.

• Provide education and job training.

• Promote peace and eradicate polio.

The Wayne Rotary Club is proud to support our community and global initiatives through the following organizations and events:

Wayne Twsp. First Aid Squad, Wayne Community Policing, Wayne Day, Wayne 3rd Grade Dictionary Program, Preakness Healthcare, Cumac, Wayne Interfaith Network Food Pantry, PC Sheriff's Canine Unit, WV&WHHS Clifford North Scholarship, Wayne Nat'l Honor Societies, DePaul HS Interact Club, WPU Music Scholarship, WV&WHHS Jerome Pinsky Scholarships, WV&WHHS RYLA, Scholarships, FoundAbilites, RYLA, and Thanksgiving in the Spring events for Wayne seniors suffering food insecurities. Additionally Wayne Rotary supports and sponsors many international projects such as Polio Plus polio eradication program, Gift of Life children’s life saving cardiac surgeries, and The Guatemala Literacy Project

*In order to be eligible, for an endowment interested HS Track/Running team must participate in this event.