5K races near West Milford

The Sugar Loaf 5K is a morning road race in the historic hamlet of Sugar Loaf, located in New York’s Hudson Valley. This is a local 5K designed for a broad range of participants; walkers and beginners can complete the distance, while regular runners will find enough gentle climbing to make it a worthwhile effort. The course follows country roads through the hamlet, with Sugar Loaf Mountain visible overhead. The terrain features a mix of flat sections and mild hills. The Sugar Loaf Community Foundation organizes the event, with proceeds benefiting infrastructure improvements within the hamlet. Following the race, participants and observers can explore the hamlet’s artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants, which are situated near the race venue.

Race to Cure Sarcoma New Jersey is a community 5K and 1-mile walk held at Clipper Pavilion in South Mountain Reservation, West Orange, New Jersey. The annual event provides timed 5K races for adults and children, plus untimed 5K and 1-mile options for those seeking a less competitive pace. A virtual entry is also available for those unable to attend in person. The day is part of the Sarcoma Foundation of America’s Race to Cure Sarcoma series nationwide. It gathers individuals impacted by sarcoma, such as patients, families, friends, caregivers, runners, walkers, and supporters. Registration fees and fundraising directly support awareness and research. The course is straightforward: starting and finishing at Clipper Pavilion, with the reservation's natural setting offering a park-like ambiance distinct from a city race.

The Happy Jack 5K begins and ends at Germonds Park in West Nyack, New York. This is an officially timed out-and-back 5K suitable for runners and walkers. It is held annually in memory of John Thomas “Happy Jack” Doyle. The race series also includes a virtual 5K and a kids’ fun run prior to the main event. The course follows local roads surrounding Germonds Park, with traffic control provided by the Clarkstown Police Department. Funds raised benefit The Happy Jack Fund, which provides yearly scholarships to high school students who have lost a sibling and offers support to families experiencing the loss of a child. All participants, kids and adults, receive medals. The first 200 main-event registrants will get race shirts. Teams are encouraged, and trophies will be awarded to the five largest teams based on registration.

The Harrington Park Fall Spectacular is a fall race morning based at Harrington Park School in Harrington Park, New Jersey. Its main event is a USATF-certified 5K run/walk on a relatively flat route through town, with a one-mile fun run and a kiddie dash for shorter-distance runners. The 5K starts later in the morning after the kids' events, and it is open to all ages. The 5K has water stations at miles 1 and 2, and results are posted with both chip time and gun time, with awards decided by gun time. Strollers are allowed, but bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, and dogs are not. The Harrington Park Road Runners Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, organizes the event, and race-day extras include professional pre-race stretching, a live DJ, and an indoor awards ceremony in the school gymnasium.

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.

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.

The CIDER 5 is an annual road event held in late October around South Centerville, New York. Participants can choose between a 5-mile run, a 5K run, or a 5K walk. The event accommodates a wide range of participants, from young children to older adults. The course follows roads around South Centerville, offering open views. Runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators attend the local race day. Knights of Columbus Council #16365 organizes the event, with proceeds supporting charities associated with the council. Parking is available at the Holy Cross church parking lot.

The Englewood Cliffs 5K is an annual 3.1-mile road race held in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, beginning in Witte Park. It is USATF sanctioned and timed, with results available shortly after the race concludes. The field is modest and local, featuring just over 150 runners and walkers of various ages, accompanied by family and friends observing from the sidewalks. Participants receive blue T-shirts and canvas gift bags. Following the 5K, a one-mile bike ride for children aged 7 to 12 takes place. The race relies significantly on the borough's resources rather than external production. Approximately 25 volunteers manage registration and course duties, and entry fees and contributions benefit the Englewood Cliffs Parks and Recreation Department. Race director Nick Joannides possesses extensive running experience, having participated in about 300 races and directed dozens. He highlights the local volunteers as the distinguishing factor of the event. Running groups also participate, including a 30-member contingent from the New Jersey Road Runners. The course presents a challenge; the winner described the initial half-mile as deceptively downhill and still found the race demanding.

Strides for Education is a hybrid 5K run/walk in Morris Plains, New Jersey. Participants can join in person on local streets or choose a virtual option to run or walk from a different location on race day. The EFMP organizes the event, which supports students across the Morris Plains School District, including programs at Mountain Way and Borough Schools. This annual community race features a timed 5K, a group warm-up, and awards. The in-person 5K follows a certified, flat, fast course through Morris Plains, suitable for runners seeking a quick time, as well as walkers and families. A shorter fun run for children 12 and under takes place before the 5K, covering approximately 1,000 feet around Simons Park. Teams are encouraged, with prizes awarded to the largest team and the most spirited team. Medals are also given to the top overall male and female finishers and to age-group winners from 11 and under through 50+.