10K races near West Milford

The Clinton Road Zombie Run takes participants down one of New Jersey's most discussed haunted roads, offering three options: a costumed Zombie Crawl, a 5k run, and a 10k run. This road and trail event is themed around Clinton Road's eerie reputation, incorporating its dark woods, misty sections, and zombie volunteers into the race day. The Zombie Crawl is a walk/run for those prioritizing the theme over intense competition, with costumes recommended. The 5k is the shorter, quicker run through the haunted woods, while the 10k provides the full endurance challenge. Along the route, volunteers in zombie costumes interact with participants through chasing, cheering, and startling, and even the aid stations are given a haunted theme.

The Riverdale Temple FALL OF LOVE 5K/10K Run/Walk is a Bronx race held at Riverdale Temple on Independence Avenue, offering 5K and 10K distances for runners and walkers. The main races begin at 8:43 AM, preceded by a free Toddler Dash at 8:00 AM. This event is in its early stages, with the upcoming edition marking the third running. The course winds through the rolling hills of Riverdale, presenting a challenging route rather than a flat path. Riverdale Temple welcomes runners, walkers, volunteers, newcomers, and experienced participants. Race-day registration opens early, parking is available at the venue, and packet pickup is available on Friday and Saturday prior to the event.

The Big Orange Ten is a 10-mile race in Port Jervis, New York, held in the fall when the area’s foliage is near its peak. It takes place two weeks before the New York City Marathon, serving as a final tune-up for marathoners and offering newer runners and walkers a distinct double-digit goal. The course winds through Port Jervis and incorporates the city’s new school athletic facility, with local backing throughout. The event attracts competitive runners but remains accessible to all levels, is reachable by direct train from New York City, benefits charitable initiatives, and upholds the spirit of the earlier Orange Classic.

The Giralda Farms Run offers a 5K and 10K race at Giralda Farms Corporate Park in Madison, New Jersey, located on the historic estate of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. Participants can choose either distance, families can include the Kids’ Fun Run, and competitive runners may attempt the 10K and 5K combination within a three-hour limit. Both primary races are USATF-NJ certified, accommodating both casual runners and club competitors. The event is in its 41st year and benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey. The 10K holds USATF-NJ championship and Grand Prix status, featuring a 700-point Open Championship designation and Masters Men Grand Prix points. The 5K is a 500-point Grand Prix race. Awards are presented to the top open men and women in the 10K, with a schedule that also accommodates children and families before the longer races commence.

The Westchester Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning 5K and 10K run/walk held at Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York. The main races begin in the morning, offering timed and untimed 5K options, a 10K, and virtual participation for those preferring to run independently. Northwell Orthopedics sponsors the event, with official information available on TriStateRuns.com. The race is designed for families and regular runners alike. Children 11 and under can enter a 5K Kid's Division Fun Run, which includes an untimed bib and a donut at the finish line. Younger children, 8 and under, can participate in a free 100-meter dash held earlier. Participants are invited to share race-day photos using #TurkeyTradition, reflecting the event's place as a local holiday tradition before Thanksgiving festivities commence.

Squatchy Leftovers is a late-November trail race and hike at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey, offering 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K distances. The event is intentionally small, limited to about 400 participants, and typically sells out before race day, having done so for several consecutive years. It benefits Bigger Than The Trail, a nonprofit that advocates for mental health through trail running and offers free therapy to those in need. Charity bibs are also offered to runners and hikers who pledge to raise or donate funds for BTTT. The course combines wide, hard-packed carriage trails with rockier singletrack, roots, and eroded sections, ensuring even the shorter distances provide a genuine trail running challenge. The 5K follows the same loop as Sassquad’s Frosty Fat Sass Trail Party, featuring a rocky descent near the first mile, a subsequent climb, and a rooty singletrack finish. Longer distances incorporate additional loops and climbing, with the 50K accumulating approximately 2,890 feet of elevation gain. Trekking poles are permitted, families frequently attend, and the race has strong Sassquad origins; it began as the first unofficial Sassquad event with around 30 participants before expanding into a sold-out trail party.

The Merry Christmas Run is a Christmas-themed group run held in New York City’s Central Park. Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances, as well as a Family 1 Mile Fun Run. The event begins in the morning and accommodates both runners and walkers. The setup is straightforward: there is no chip timing, no required equipment, and participants may optionally self-track using apps like Strava, RunKeeper, or Nike Run. The course begins and ends within Central Park, with the specific course map provided to participants. This is a smaller, private run with limited wave sizes, meaning entries close once each wave is full. Runners who miss out can join a waitlist or opt for the virtual race. The event is open to all paces and ages, although minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Registration includes race merchandise, such as a shirt for U.S. participants, a finisher medal, and a towel or similar giveaway.

Two different adventures await. One path is a smooth, scenic paved loop around Rockland Lake with wide-open views and gentle terrain. The other heads up the rocky and rugged Long Path. Climb through forest and stone ledges to the summit of Hook Mountain, with 360-degree views of the Hudson River. Lake views below, mountain views above, with a trail party!