5K races near Monroe

The Sterbenz Run for the Pickles is a local running event in Washington, New Jersey, offering a 5K race and a 2K option. The event begins at Warren County Community College. The 2K is designated as the Pup Strut & Stroll, incorporating dogs into the activities. The race structure allows participants to select the 5K run or the 2K Pup Strut & Stroll, suitable for walkers, families, and dog owners. The event is also listed as the Sterbenz Run for the Pickels 5K/2K Pup Strut and Stroll, using that specific spelling.

The Pocono Mountains Marathon Race Festival is a fall running event held at Promised Land State Park in Greentown, Pennsylvania. The marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K all start and finish at the Upper Lake Overflow Parking Lot. This variety allows participants to pursue long-distance goals or enjoy a shorter run within the park. The full marathon is certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier, providing a specific performance benchmark. The course takes advantage of the Pocono Mountains scenery in autumn, with the route detailed on Map My Run. Registration and awards are available for male, female, and non-binary participants across overall and age-group categories for the marathon, half marathon, and 10K. First-time marathon and half marathon finishers receive a plaque in addition to their medal. Participants also get a shirt and ankle running socks. A discount is offered to service members and their families.

The Knights 5K is a run/walk held at Warren County Technical School in Washington, New Jersey. The course starts and finishes at the school on Route 57, utilizing Warren Tech's cross-country 5K route. This setup offers a feel closer to a school cross-country meet open to the public rather than a large road race. The event begins in the morning, is hand-timed, and maintains a straightforward format: no age-group or gender-group awards, only a marked course and a recorded finish time. The route incorporates both grass and pavement, featuring a few moderate inclines. A water station is positioned near the halfway mark. Both walkers and runners are welcome, and the entry fee is reasonable, with a reduced rate for advance registration compared to race-day sign-ups. A shirt is assured only for participants who register by the specified deadline. All funds raised benefit Warren Tech's cross-country team, providing the race with a distinct local objective beyond the 5K itself.

Costumes are integral to the Newton Pride Monster Dash 5K, a Halloween-themed community run in Newton beginning at 8:30 AM at Newton High School. The primary event is a certified 5K, complemented by a Fun Run suitable for all ages and paces. This allows walkers, families, younger children, and competitive runners to participate in the same morning event. The 5K course begins and ends at Newton High School, crossing Ryerson, Plainfield, and Linwood streets. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, with a costume contest and awards presented to the top male and female finishers, as well as age-group winners from 19 and under to 70+. Proceeds from registration benefit the Newton Pride Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the educational experience at Newton High School. Thus, the race directly supports local students while embracing Halloween festivities.

Tolino Vineyards hosts its Halloween-themed Run the Vineyards event, featuring a chip-timed 5K alongside autumn scenery of the Pocono Mountains. The 5K begins at 10 AM, followed five minutes later by a one-mile non-timed walk, allowing runners, walkers, families, and children to participate together. The race provides a water stop, water at the finish line, bananas, snacks, a custom tech shirt, and a souvenir wine glass. Participants aged 21 and over with valid ID can redeem their wine ticket. The post-race gathering includes chocolate, live music, and a costume competition with awards for top male, female, and team costumes. Trophies will be presented to the fastest male and female runners, overall top finishers, and age-group competitors, including a youth division for those 14 and younger.

The Racin’ Bacon 5K is a morning 5K race in Easton, Pennsylvania. It starts at 9 a.m. near the amphitheater at Riverside Park. The race is linked to PA Bacon Fest, and embraces the theme: registration includes a long-sleeved shirt, bacon, and beer. The route starts and finishes by Riverside Park’s amphitheater. There is no special race parking, so runners should plan around festival crowds. A unique feature is the chase: three mascot pigs get a 30- to 60-second head start, and anyone who passes all three wins a special prize. Awards are presented on the Hog Wild Stage, with overall prizes and age-group awards for participants 19 and under through 60+.

The Haunted Hawk Hustle 5K is a Halloween-themed run and walk held at the Hampton Pit in Newton. The event features a 5K course suitable for running or walking, alongside a one-mile fun run for those seeking a shorter distance with family or friends. The race embraces its spooky theme, differing from a standard road 5K. Participants will navigate a haunted house section, and one greeter has been known to wear a “Scream” mask to greet participants. Entry includes T-shirts, and event photos often capture local families finishing together and posing with Halloween decorations.

The Lehigh Valley Turkey Trot is a post-Thanksgiving 5K and fun walk held in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It begins at Luckenbach Mill on Old York Road. The annual event offers a 5K for runners and competitive walkers, alongside a 1.7-mile fun walk for those seeking a more relaxed pace. Starts are staggered: runners depart first, followed by competitive walkers, and then fun walkers. Over 1,000 participants attended the last event, indicating its status as a community-scale race. The course winds through Historic Bethlehem and the Moravian Church Settlements, providing a view of one of the city’s historic districts. Dogs are welcome and participate in a pet costume contest, which is held alongside a general costume contest for runners and walkers in holiday or race-themed attire. Awards are presented for individual and group costumes, with judging criteria including creativity, pet-and-handler pairings, and adherence to the Turkey Trot theme. Proceeds from the race benefit Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, supporting preservation efforts and educational programs on local history spanning three centuries. Registered 5K participants receive a shirt, refreshments, weekend museum admission, and a shop discount.

Huff and Puff after you stuff/Smiles for Margaret is a 5K run/walk in Hackettstown, New Jersey, held on a Saturday in late November. The 3.1-mile race begins at the American Legion Hall on Willow Grove Street, with sign-in in the morning and a 10:00 AM EST start. The race honors Margaret Walling, a young Hackettstown resident who died after fighting a malignant brain tumor. Smiles For Margaret raises money for local families facing childhood cancer. People can support the cause by running, walking, or donating.

Santa Will Run for Beer 5K-ish is a holiday bar-run on the north side of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Runners and walkers are encouraged to dress as Santa. The event covers roughly 3.1 miles, but it is not a standard road race: participants check in at the Flying Pig and then choose their own route between participating bars, rather than following a marked course. The event includes a tactical element, as the first 24 people to reach each designated bar receive a complimentary drink. Other participants can take advantage of drink specials throughout the afternoon. A portion of each registration fee benefits Toys for Tots, and participants can bring a toy to the start line for a drink ticket. The day concludes at Molly's Irish Grille and Sports Pub, with a final gathering featuring live music.

The Reindeer Run 5K begins at ShawneeCraft Brewery, leading runners across the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Course before returning to the brewery. This holiday-themed event features a chip-timed 5K at 10 AM, followed five minutes later by a 1 Mile Walk, accommodating both competitive runners and those seeking a brief, festive stroll. The 5K route crosses a bridge onto the golf course, utilizing cart paths, fairways, and a wooded trail prior to the finish at ShawneeCraft. Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers and the top three in age groups, ranging from under 14 through standard ten-year divisions. Participants receive a craft beer (or soda for those under 21), a custom fleece-lined beanie, and a beer glass. This marks the race's fourth annual running.