Randolph Rocks 5K and 1K Fun Run

Whether you’re a competitive or recreational runner, an experienced or beginner walker, or just looking to meet up and do something fun, the Annual Randolph Rocks 5K Run/1K Fun Run is for you! Bring your friends, family and neighbors and join us to help support an amazing organization: Randolph Education Foundation (REF). REF, a nonprofit organization that supports the Randolph Township School District will host Randolph Rocks 5K/1K on May 30, 2026 at the Randolph High School Wellness Center (511 Millbrook Avenue; Randolph, NJ 07869). The 1K Fun Run begins at 8:30 AM and the 5K Race will start at 8:45 AM. Roads close at 8:15 AM so please make it to Randolph High School by 8:15 AM. 

Can't make it with us in-person for the event? You're in luck! You can also register for a Virtual 5K Race instead. This can be completed whenever you would like between May 30 and June 6, 2026.  Participants can run, walk or hike the 5K.  If you want to do it all at once you can, or you can break it up and do it over a few days. Where you complete it is up to you. Your local neighborhood, a park, a hiking trail, or a treadmill are all great options!  Grab a friend, family member, or just yourself and go have some fun!

General Questions

1. What is the Randolph Education Foundation (REF)?

Founded in 2009, the Randolph Education Foundation (REF) was inspired by the idea that together, families, schools, and the local community, shape the education of our children.  Since its foundation, the REF has worked with the community to support innovative programs and provide assistance to students in need in the Randolph schools. The REF has donated more than $300,000 to the Randolph Township School District in the form of grants, support to specific projects, and assistance to students. 

Randolph Education Foundation’s mission is to harness the power of our community to create opportunities that enable students and teachers to thrive. 

2. Why is it called the Randolph Rocks?

Through out the race course there are musicians and recorded music providing "rockstar" entertainment for the runners.  The musicians are local children and adults from Randolph as well as neighboring communities. The race also partially takes place on the Randolph Trails, which is unpaved and rocky. Randolph is known for having very rocky soil so the name plays on our location as well.

3. Do I need to live in Randolph to participate? 

No!  We welcome anyone to participate in either the in-person event or virtual event.  However, please note that if you choose to do the virtual event and cannot pick up your registration packet because you live outside of the Randolph area, we will not be able to ship it to you. 

4. How can my race sponsors submit payment?

Online contributions can be made by credit card on the runner’s personalized page found on this website. Just make sure to tell your sponsors to select your name from the list of runners. 

5. Do I have to raise a certain amount of money?

No! Once you have registered to participate, there is no minimum amount of money that you need to raise in order to participate.  Remember though, the more money you raise the more money REF is able to provide to the Randolph school system, teachers and students.  So please try to gain some sponsorship!

6. What is included with my registration cost?

Participants who register before May 3, 2026 are guaranteed a performance t-shirt as well as a goody bag with promotional items.  Shirts and promotional items will be distributed while supplies last to anyone who registers after the May 3, 2026 deadline. Water, fruit, and bagels will also be available at the in-person race for the race participants.

7. Is there a refund policy?

Unfortunately, race registration fees are not refundable.

 

In-Person Event (5K and 1K) Information:

1.      What type of terrain is the Randolph Rocks 5K?

The race is run on a combination of roads and park trails.  The park trail is not paved but has hard packed dirt that you will be running on. 

2.      Can I push a stroller during the 5K race or participate with my pet?

Unfortunately, due to the uneven terrain of the park trails and for everyone’s safety we do NOT allow strollers and pets in the 5K race.  Strollers are only allowed on the 1K fun run course. No pets are allowed on either the 5K or 1K course.

3.      What type of terrain is the Randolph Rocks 1K?

The 1K fun run is run on sidewalk, pavement and the high school track. 

4.      Is there an age limit for the 1K Fun Run?

We leave it up to the registrant’s discretion on whether a person should be completing the 1K or 5K.  For safety reasons, we will be staggering the start of the 1K to separate the age groups appropriately.  We are striving to ensure that this is an inclusive event.  If a participant needs an accommodation (e.g. a sensory friendly start to the race), please contact Melissa Alexander at randolphrocks@randolpheducationfoundation.org.

5.      If my child is registered for the 1K, do I also need to register so that I can walk or jog with my child?

While we encourage everyone to consider registering for the event to support the Randolph community, we do not require parents of children who are participating in the 1K to register.  You are more than welcome to accompany your child to provide encouragement and keep them on task. There will also be volunteers along the 1K path to encourage and direct the participants. Please note if you choose not to register as the parent, you will not be receiving a race shirt.

 

Virtual Event (5K) Information:

1.      How long is a 5K and how will I know when I am done?

A 5k is 3.1 miles.  You can complete the 3.1 miles however you would like. Running, walking, and hiking are all good options. If you need help tracking your distance, consider downloading a free GPS enabled app to track your progress.  Some commonly used apps include Strava, Runkeeper, and Map My Run.

2.   What if I can’t run a 5K?

That is ok! The great part of a virtual 5K is you can do it in your time and in your terms.  You don’t have to run at all.  You can walk outside, walk on a treadmill, or go for a hike.  You also don’t have to do it in one day! You can break it up over a few days. You have 8 days to complete the 5K so do whatever works for you!!

3.      Do I have to track my time or submit anything?

This is based completely on the honor system.  You do not have to record your time or submit your running or walking route.  However, you can submit your time and route if you would like. Also, don’t forget to take some pictures.  It is always fun to document your experience! People completing the Virtual 5K race are not eligible for awards. Awards will only be distributed to those who participate in the In-Person 5K Race. 

If you have further questions, please contact Melissa Alexander at randolphrocks@randolpheducationfoundation.org

Randolph Rocks 5K/1K Run will feature a USATF-NJ Sanctioned/Certified course with Grand Prix status on a fast start, rolling course that includes 70% roads and 30% beautiful Randolph Trails. Chronotrack Chip Timing by Elite Racing Systems will be tracking race day results. Due to safety considerations, no pets or strollers are allowed on the 5K course. The 1K Fun Run will be held on the High School/Middle School Campus. Strollers are allowed on the 1K course and an adult is welcome to jog with their child. Please note if the adult is not registered they will not receive a shirt.

Race Day Amenities include: Water stations will be located at the half-way point of the course. Refreshments will be located at the finish. Rescue Squad will be located on-site. Music and live bands will be located throughout the course. A children's fun zone will be included with the 1K Fun Run. 

Awards: Awards will be given to the top three male and female overall, male and female age division (first, second and third place: 6 & under, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90+), first male and female Randolph residents, first Randolph teachers/staff and Randolph School with the highest percentage of participants.

Door Prizes: Great prizes from our area merchants will be given out to participants! Winners will be chosen on the day of the event. 

1K Fun Run: Performance T-Shirt

5K Race: Performance T-Shirt

5K Virtual Run: Performance T-Shirt