5K races near Hammonton

Walk the Talk is a 5K run/walk for recovery held in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Genesis Centers organizes the event, which is named for Christopher Schultes. The format accommodates both runners aiming for speed and walkers preferring a more relaxed pace over the 5-kilometer course. The start line is at Cooper River Park, a well-known outdoor location in Pennsauken. The event's primary identity is its focus on recovery, with the Christopher Schultes name providing a personal memorial aspect, distinguishing it from other local 5K races.

Ship Bottom Brewery's Ecto Ghouler 5K is a fall 5K road race held at Ship Bottom Brewery on Engleside Avenue in Beach Haven, New Jersey. The race coincides with the brewery's Ecto Ghouler IPA release, blending a running event with a brewery party. Standard entry is $30, with registration opening at the start of the year. The route is a 5K through Beach Haven, returning to the brewery for the awards ceremony and post-race party. Runners 21 and older receive a free beer upon finishing. The best costume earns a four-pack, lending the race a Halloween-adjacent atmosphere. Awards are presented to the top three men and women overall, and to age-group winners from 14-and-under to 60-plus, accommodating younger runners, local regulars, casual beer-run participants, and those aiming for an age-group win.

The OCNJ Half Marathon, 10 Mile & 5K begins at the Ocean City Music Pier on the boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace. This October race morning in Ocean City, New Jersey, offers three distances: a half marathon, a 10-mile run/walk, and a 5K run/walk. The half marathon and 10-miler start first, followed shortly by the 5K. The course is fast and flat, utilizing Ocean City’s boardwalk, downtown streets, and oceanfront views instead of hills or technical terrain. This setup suits runners aiming for a quick time, walkers in the 10-mile or 5K, and local families preferring the shorter distance. Packet pickup is at the Music Pier before race day, and the longer races do not allow race-day registration. All proceeds support Ocean City Recreation Scholarships and Programs.

Coffee Lovers Run New Jersey takes place on Camden’s Wiggins Waterfront Trail, offering 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances. This October event also features a 1-mile Family Fun Run, suitable for adults, children, beginners, and those preferring a short walk over a competitive effort. The event offers a more intimate setting than large city races, with limited waves and a group-run atmosphere. All running paces are accommodated, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Timing is optional; runners may use an app to track their own performance and submit results for online posting, or forgo timing altogether. Virtual participation is available for the main distances, alongside an eco-registration option for those who do not wish to receive a shirt.

The Eleventh Annual Robot Run takes place on an October morning at RiverWinds Community Center in West Deptford, New Jersey. The 5K run and 1 Mile Walk begin simultaneously at 10:00 AM. Registration opens at 9:00 AM. Both distances are $30. Runners complete 5000 meters, walkers cover 1609 meters, and awards for the 5K will be presented later in the morning. South Jersey Robotics organizes the event, providing a local purpose beyond the race itself. The group is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting K-12 students through STEAM programs. STEAMfest runs from 9:15 AM to noon, allowing families to combine the run or walk with robotics and hands-on learning activities. Top runners receive awards, while walkers, students, parents, and community supporters share the same starting area.

The WXPN 5k Run for Musicians On Call is a USATF-certified 5K race in Philadelphia’s Penn Park, taking place in October. It is open to XPN members, music lovers, families, and anyone seeking a short race supporting a local music cause. The event benefits WXPN Musicians On Call, a program delivering live music to patients and families throughout the Delaware Valley. The course begins and ends at the park opposite the lower level of XPN/World Cafe Live, situated beneath the Walnut Street Bridge. Volunteer musicians perform along the route, directly linking the race to the charity it supports. Net proceeds are directed to WXPN Musicians On Call, which has assisted over 70,000 patients and families since 2004. Participants can also make an additional small donation during registration.

The BookSmiles 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk for Literacy takes place at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, New Jersey. The start is located at 510 Park Blvd in Cherry Hill. The 5K features a certified course and chip timing, while the 1-mile walk offers a shorter route within the same morning event. The course is described as flat and fast, concluding at the Cooper River track. All participants begin together, with runners positioned behind walkers. Check-in is available at the start line in the morning. Awards will be given to finishers, with cash prizes for the top three male and female runners. Age-group awards are also provided. Participants will receive finish-line video, rapid text results, and an event T-shirt.

The Jonas Cattell Memorial 10-mile Run and the Fort Mercer 5K take place together in New Jersey. The Jonas Cattell race marks its 56th running, while the Fort Mercer 5K is in its 6th annual edition. The shared theme is Revolutionary War history, connecting the event to local memory and distance running. Participants can select the 10-mile course or the 5-kilometer race, accommodating both endurance runners and those seeking a community event.