RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk 2026

RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils invite you to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk!

For ten years, this event has brought New Jersey communities together — one step, one stride, one story at a time. Be part of this milestone year as we honor a decade of impact and look ahead to the future we’re building together.

Pick your path to the finish line:

• Competitive 5K Race on a USATF-certified course
• Scenic Wellness Walk perfect for all ages and abilities

Keep the celebration going with post-race festivities and family-friendly activities at the award-winning Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, conveniently located adjacent to the race course. All registered participants receive free Zoo admission on the day of the event.

Go Virtual! 

Prefer to participate on your own schedule? Run or walk anytime, anywhere between October 1 and November 1, 2026 to be part of our anniversary celebration.

NEW THIS YEAR:

• Virtual Race: Choose the timed virtual option to compete for leaderboard placement and prizes. This format mirrors last year’s virtual event.
• Virtual Cumulative Challenge: Take part in our cumulative challenge at your own pace. Simply log your activity in the app each time you participate, working your way to a total of 3.1 miles—whether you complete it in a single outing or gradually over the course of the month.

Enjoy exclusive audio messages of support from New Jersey Devils players and RWJBarnabas Health patients through the RunGo App. All virtual participants will also receive free Zoo admission from November 2 to December 30, 2026. 

Celebrate 10 years with us. Honor the journey. Help us launch the next chapter.

For a decade, every step has fueled meaningful change — and this year is no different. Every dollar raised through Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk directly supports our collective mission to protect and build healthier communities throughout New Jersey.

Register today!

 

Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk Course Description

The RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk course offers a scenic tour of South Mountain Reservation and Orange Reservoir, featuring a mix of flat stretches (more than 75%), rolling terrain, and moderate inclines, creating an enjoyable challenge for runners and walkers of all abilities.

Mile 1

The race begins on Cherry Lane near the Oakdale Parking Lot and heads south toward South Orange Avenue. Participants start with a gentle downhill grade before reaching the turnaround. The return portion features a slight but steady uphill climb back toward the reservation entrance. The Mile 1 marker is located on the return route just before the course flattens out, which continues north on Cherry Lane toward the initial hydration station just before the park entrance.

Mile 2

Participants enter the reservoir loop near the boat dock and proceed counterclockwise around Orange Reservoir. This section is almost entirely flat. After crossing the southern bridge, runners encounter the most picturesque view of the reservoir along the eastern shoreline as they continue past the Mile 2 marker and start Mile 3.

Mile 3

The course continues its mostly flat progression north along the reservoir. After crossing the northern bridge, the flat terrain continues along the western shoreline before engaging the Mile 3 marker at the boat dock. 

Finish

After passing the boat dock, participants exit the reservoir loop and return to Cherry Lane, where the finish line is in plain sight. The final stretch is super-fast, passing the Oakdale Parking Lot on the participant's left and the northernmost entry to the boat dock on the right.

 

Registration

Will participation medals be given?

Participation medals will be distributed to the first 2,000 live and virtual runners and walkers registered.

Will awards be given out?

Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers for both the live and virtual events. Participants will also receive awards in five-year increments, beginning at age nine.  

Will participants receive t-shirts?

T-shirts will be distributed to the first 2,000 pre-registered participants (runners and walkers). If any t-shirts remain, participants may pick them up post-race. Virtual participants will also receive a still-yet-to-be-revealed item, but past items have included hats, cooling towels, waterproof bags, and running belts.

Is the live 5K Run and Wellness Walk held at the same place and time?

The 5K Run and the Wellness Walk are held at the same site, 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, N.J. Both the Race and Walk begin at 9:00 a.m. Walkers will line up behind the runners. 

Do you offer discounted registrations for military personnel?

We do offer a discount to military personnel. Upon registering, you can check a box that will apply the discount at the end of the registration process. You can also sign up as a team during registration.

Is there onsite registration available on November 1?

Onsite registration is available on November 1, but must be paid via credit card. Currently, we cannot accept Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Pay. 

Check-in and on-site registration open at 7:00 a.m. and close promptly at 8:45 a.m. to ensure the race starts on time. If registration has closed by the time you arrive, your registration will revert to a virtual one. Pending where we are in the race, you may not be able to race on the actual course.

Live Event

Where is parking available for the Race and Walk?

Parking is available for participants in lots along Cherry Lane and at the Turtle Back Zoo (560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ). Please note that portions of Cherry Lane will be closed for the event, and alternative routes may be required to access nearby parking areas.

Plan to arrive early. The later you arrive, the farther you may need to park and walk to reach check-in. The race will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

If attendance exceeds the capacity of nearby parking, a shuttle service may be provided from satellite lots. Participants who plan to visit the Zoo after the race are encouraged to park at the Zoo and walk to the Start Village in advance.

NEW THIS YEAR: The Reservoir path between the Zoo and the race site will be open for access until 8:30 a.m., after which it will close to ensure the course is clear before the race starts. Using the Reservoir path, the walk from the Zoo lot to the race site is approximately 8-10 minutes. After 8:30 a.m., the walk time will increase to 15-20 minutes as participants will need to access the race site via Northfield Avenue. Please plan accordingly, as the event will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Additional parking updates will be shared with registered participants in the weeks leading up to the event and posted on the event website.

What time does registration open?

Registration for the live Run and Walk opens at 7:00 a.m. 

Will you offer early packet pickup?

Yes! We will share information (day/time/location) via email and on our website for anyone interested in picking up their packet early. Otherwise, registration will open at 7:00 a.m. on November 1 and close at 8:30 a.m. to ensure the race starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. We encourage participants to arrive early to give them ample time to park and enjoy all the pre-race activities in our Start Village.

Are strollers permitted on the Race and Walk Course?

Strollers are permitted on the Race and Walk Course but must line up at the end of the queue to avoid impeding other participants. 

Are dogs allowed at the event?

While we love our animals as much as you do, dogs are not allowed at the RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk, a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned event. USATF prohibits dogs from participating in sanctioned events. South Mountain Recreation Complex is a public park; however, dogs are not allowed on the course during our Race, in Start Village, or at the Turtle Back Zoo. Service animals are permitted in all three locations; however, they must check in at the Zoo before entering for additional instructions. 

What happens in the event of rain?
The event will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, participants will be notified via email and text if the race must be canceled or postponed.

Virtual Event

Do I have to use the RunGo app to participate in the virtual event?

While it is not mandatory to use the RunGo app, only those who submit times through it will be considered for prizes. We encourage all participants (live and virtual) to download the free app to hear encouraging messages of support from current New Jersey Devils players, RWJBarnabas Health providers, and patients.

Can I run the virtual event multiple times?

The race route will go live on the RunGo app beginning October 1. Registered participants can run the route as often as they like, and their best time will be submitted for prize consideration.

NEW THIS YEAR: Virtual participants can take part in the Virtual Cumulative Challenge, allowing you to run or walk at your own pace. Simply log your activity in the app each time you participate and work toward a total of 3.1 miles—whether you complete it all at once or gradually over the course of the month.

Raise $100: Exclusive 30% discount on Fanatics merchandise (code to be provided and some exclusions apply) and a chance to win an RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils prize pack (valued at $200)

Raise $250: Two (2) tickets to New Jersey Devils 2025/2026 home game*

Raise $500: Custom New Jersey Devils jersey and two (2) tickets to New Jersey Devils 2025/2026 home game*

Raise $1,000: Custom New Jersey Devils jersey; two (2) tickets to New Jersey Devils 2025/2026 home game* with New Jersey Devils play engagement opportunity

Raise $2,500: Custom New Jersey Devils jersey; four (4) tickets to New Jersey Devils 2025/2026 home game* with New Jersey Devils play engagement opportunity

Top Individual Fundraiser: Signed New Jersey Devils hockey jersey; in-game recognition on the scoreboard; post-2025/2026 game photo on ice** and family season zoo pass for Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

Top Fundraising Team: Team Night at New Jersey Devils 2025/2026 home game (maximum of 10 participants)*, including in-game recognition on the scoreboard; post-2025/2026 game photo on ice** and New Jersey Devils player engagement opportunity

* schedule and specific players/coaches subject to availability

** subject to current NHL guidelines

*** New incentives are being added! Check back for updates.

Whether you are a LIVE or VIRTUAL participant, ALL funds must be raised by 12:00 p.m. ET on October 31, 2025.

Our signature fundraising event is crucial in supporting vital programs and services across the RWJBarnabas Health system. Your sponsorship demonstrates your unwavering commitment to a healthier community and enhancing lives throughout New Jersey, and helps address critical needs within our communities, ensuring that patients and families have access to the highest quality care, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

2026 sponsorship opportunities are coming soon!

RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run @ Cherry Lane/South Mountain Reservation – November 1, 2026: T-Shirt

RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk – VIRTUAL - October 1 - November 1, 2026: TBD

RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils Wellness Walk @Cherry Lane/South Mountain Reservation – November 1, 2026: T-Shirt