Wacky Runs

Santa suits, pizza stops, doughnuts, midnight fireworks — the themed fun runs of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania & Florida, in one place. Every listing links out to the official race site to register.

Wacky Runs in New Jersey

New Jersey has 49 upcoming themed fun runs. Next up: 4th Annual Shamong Turkey Trot on Sat, Nov 14, 2026, FunAPalooza on Mon, Nov 16, 2026, Totowa Turkey Trot 5K Challenge on Sun, Nov 22, 2026. New Jersey does wacky properly — Santa suits on the Asbury Park boardwalk, doughnuts in Montclair, and pizza at the finish line. Here is the Garden State's full calendar of glorious nonsense, soonest first.

Mon, Nov 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Asbury Park (Iron Whale, 1200 Ocean Ave), NJ
Registration closes Nov 14
See official site
The wacky bitFun stops along the Asbury Park and Ocean Grove boardwalks, best-dressed and best-dancer awards, and a vintage medal, long-sleeve shirt, and beer-or-soda coupon for every runner — a party on the boards that happens to involve running.
Price
$20.00
Medal
Yes
Shirt / swag
Yes
Race details →Register on official site →
Sun, Nov 22, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Jefferson (Arthur Stanlick School, 121 N E Shawnee Trail), NJ
Price rises Nov 8
5K / 10K
The wacky bitA run around Lake Shawnee in Jefferson with a free empanada from Chava's waiting at the finish — plus a 2K Pup Strut, benefiting the Jefferson Education Foundation.
Price
5K $38.00 + $3.28 SignUp fee · 10K $48.00 + $3.88 SignUp fee · 2K Pup Strut $25.00 + $2.50 SignUp fee
Medal
Yes
Shirt / swag
Yes
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 9:30 AM (10K), 9:55 AM (5K), 10:00 AM (1 Mile Walk & Kids Run)
Brigantine (Brigantine Community Center, 265 42nd Street), NJ
10K / 5K / 1 Mile
The wacky bitBreak out the gaudiest sweater you own - there is a contest for it - then refuel on cocoa, coffee and desserts at The Cove.
Price
10K $35.00 + $3.10 SignUp fee · 5K $30.00 + $2.80 SignUp fee · Kids 1 Mile $20.00 + $2.20 SignUp fee (all prices increase after Oct 29, 2026)
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Vineland (Cumberland County Technical Education Center, 3400 College Dr), NJ
Registration closes Dec 5
5K / 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk
The wacky bitJingle all the way around a college campus in Vineland for a festive 5K (or a gentler 1-mile fun run) that kicks off December with the Rotary Club.
Price
$30.00 Race Fee + $2.80 SignUp Fee
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Morris Plains (Morris County Park, 1 Governor Chris Christie Drive), NJ
5K / 10K
The wacky bitGrass-and-trail loops that pay off in hot cocoa and Nothing Bundt Cakes at the finish, plus an event-themed medal and a shirt for early registrants.
Price
5K $35.00 + $3.10 SignUp fee · 10K $40.00 + $3.40 SignUp fee
Medal
Yes
Shirt / swag
Yes
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 3:00 PM
Beach Haven (Ship Bottom Brewery, 830 N Bay Ave #23), NJ
5K
The wacky bitLBI's new afternoon holiday 5K rolls straight into an after-party at Ship Bottom Brewery's Holiday Village - first beer free for runners 21+, and a holiday giveaway for the first 100 registered.
Price
$40 (price increases after Nov 12, 2026)
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
Sun, Dec 13, 2026 · Train departs 10:48 AM (check-in 9:15–10:15 AM at Johnny Mac's)
Asbury Park (Johnny Mac's House of Spirits, 208 Main St), NJ
6.5 mi / 4.35 mi / 2.6 mi / 1 mi
The wacky bitEveryone gets a Santa hat, rides the train out of Asbury Park in a pack of Santas, then runs back along the boardwalk — pick your distance — and finishes with pizza or an omelette and a beer at Johnny Mac's.
Price
$32.99 total (at Oct 2026 registration)
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Yes
Race details →Register on official site →
Tue, Dec 15, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Pitman (Ballard Park, 110 S. Broadway), NJ
5K
The wacky bitAn untimed night fun run through Pitman's brightest holiday-light neighborhoods, with a custom Light Run gift, a drink ticket and an after-party at Merryman's Pub.
Price
$20 (price increases after Oct 31, 2026)
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Jan 30, 2027 · 9:00 AM
West Orange (Turtleback Rock Picnic Area, South Mountain Reservation), NJ
5K / 3H / 6H
The wacky bitA winter trail party at South Mountain Reservation where you can do one frosty 5K loop or keep squatching for three or six hours.
Price
$30.00 Race Fee + $2.80 SignUp Fee for 5K; $45.00 Race Fee + $3.70 SignUp Fee for 3H; $55.00 Race Fee + $4.30 SignUp Fee for 6H
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Feb 13, 2027 · 8:00 AM
Galloway (Stockton University Sports Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive), NJ
5K
The wacky bitCommunity Options' Valentine's 5K - wear a white shirt if you're single, red if you're taken; finisher medal and drawstring bag included.
Price
$40 early bird (price increases after Nov 30, 2026)
Medal
Yes
Shirt / swag
Yes
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Feb 13, 2027 · 10:00 AM
Pennsauken (Cooper River Park - Piazza at the Park, North Park Drive), NJ
Price rises Nov 30
5K
The wacky bitPick a white shirt if you're single or red if you're taken, then chase Cupid around Cooper River Park the morning before Valentine's Day.
Price
$40.00 Race Fee + $3.40 SignUp Fee
Medal
Yes
Shirt / swag
Yes
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Mar 13, 2027 · 9:30 AM (1 Mile Fun Run), 10:00 AM (5K)
Morristown (49 Woodland Ave), NJ
5K / 1 Mile
The wacky bitMorristown's St. Patrick's Day weekend 5K - green everything - with a 1 Mile Fun Run beforehand.
Price
5K $29.99 (USATF members $24.99) · 1 Mile Fun Run $24 (5K price increases after Nov 29, 2026)
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
Sat, Mar 20, 2027 · 9:30 AM (Kids Fun Run), 10:00 AM (5K & 2 Mile Walk)
Bernardsville (Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 111 Claremont Road), NJ
5K / 2 Mile
The wacky bitA St. Patrick's-themed 5K and 2-mile walk in Bernardsville; finisher medals for the first 350 5K registrants and a free kids' fun run.
Price
$20 adults · $17 youth (14 & under) · Kids Fun Run free (registration opens Jan 1, 2027)
Medal
Yes
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
June 2027 — date TBA · 9:00 AM
Mays Landing (Balic Winery, 6623 Harding Hwy), NJ
5K
The wacky bitRun or walk the Balic Winery vineyards and celebrate at the finish with a pour of wine and a finisher medal that doubles as a wine stopper.
Price
See official site (2027 fees not posted yet)
Medal
Yes
Shirt / swag
Yes
Race details →Register on official site →
July 2027 — date TBA · 6:00 PM
Glassboro (Bonesaw Brewery, 570 Mullica Hill Road), NJ
3 Mile Fun Run
The wacky bitA Christmas-in-July evening fun run from Bonesaw Brewery ending in a Christmas-themed craft beer party with raffles.
Price
$30.00 Race Fee (most recent edition)
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →
September 2027 — date TBA · 10:30 AM
Hoboken (100 Sinatra Drive), NJ
5K
The wacky bitRun the Hoboken waterfront, then hit a finish-line pizza party with slices from five local pizzerias and a best pizza-attire contest.
Price
See official site (2027 fees not posted yet)
Medal
Not listed
Shirt / swag
Not listed
Race details →Register on official site →

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