Thunderbird Run 2026: Annual Mahwah Schools Foundation 5K Run, 2Mi Walk and Kids Run

The Mahwah Schools Foundation is thrilled to bring you it's Annual 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk and Kids Run.   This year’s event promises to be another memorable event, featuring a scenic race route through Mahwah beginning and ending at Mahwah High School.  The Thunderbird Run is a day filled with community support for our schools and is an event, not to be missed! Join us for the 5K Run or 2Mi Walk. Bring the whole  to visit our vendors at Thunderbird Trail, plus the extremely popular Kids Run on the Mahwah High School track. There's plenty of fun for everyone at one of Mahwah's best community events!

Important Details & Reminders
           Location & Directions

• Pick-up Location: Mahwah High School T3 Building (adjacent to the high school).
  • Friday, November 20, 2:30-6:30 pm
  • Saturday, November 21, 8:00 am-11:00 am
• Entry: Please use the Joyce Kilmer driveway entrance off of Ridge Road.
  
  Picking Up for Others
  
  
• If you're collecting items for other participants, please bring a list of their names to ensure a quick and smooth process.
  
  Race Day Registration & T-Shirts
  
  
• Registration will be ONLINE ONLY. There will be no in-person registration on Race Day morning.
• You can pick up your registration materials and T-shirt on Race Day morning.
• T-Shirts are available on a first come, first served basis.

Q.  Can I register on Race Day?

A.  Yes!  Registration will be online only and open until 8:15am on Sunday, November 22. 2026.

Q.  What are the accepted methods of payment on race day?

A.  Online only

Q.  Where and when can I pick up my race packet?

A.  Race shirt and bib pickup will take place 2-3 days prior to the race. More details to follow in an email to all participants as Race Day gets closer.

Q.  Can I have someone else pick up my T-shirt and race bib?

A.  Yes. You may have someone pick up your shirt and race bib.  Please give them all the names of registrants from your family and make sure that all waivers have been signed.

Q.  Am I guaranteed a race shirt?

A.  All race registrations received by November 1st will be guaranteed a race shirt as well as selected size.  After that date and on race day, shirts will be available to participants while supplies last.

Q.  Where can I park?

A.  The main parking lots at Joyce Kilmer and Mahwah High School parking lots will be available for participants. On race day, there will be volunteers directing participants to parking.

Q. Will roads be closed during the race?

A. Both lanes of Ridge Road from the High School to the turn around point just before Mark Twain Way will be closed for the duration of the 5K Run. And traffic will be stopped intermittently on MacArthur Blvd to allow runners to cross.

Q. Are there water stops?

A. Yes, for the 5K there will be a water stop at the 5K turnaround on Ridge Road at Mark Twain Way. For the 2Mi Walk there will be a water station at the turnaround, just after Erskine Court.

Q. Does the race start and finish at the same spot?

A. No, the 5K will start in front of the Thunderbird monument at Mahwah High School and will finish on the MHS track. 

Q.  What is your refund policy?

A.  All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  You may still pick up your shirt/bib (or have someone else do so) before the race even if you cannot participate.

Q.  What happens if it rains?

A.  The Mahwah Thunderbird Run is a rain or shine event.  No refunds will be given.  Your donation is going to a great cause!

Q. Are there bathrooms available?

A. There will be portable toilets available at MHS. 

Q. I registered for the 5K Run, but I'd like to switch to the 2Mi Walk, will this be allowed?

A. Yes, however, if possible, please notify us prior to October November 20th or see us on race day at the 'Check-In' table and we will switch your registration. Please note that the 2Mi walk will not be timed, but participants will have numbered bibs. If you are planning on run/walking the event and would like a timed result, we suggest signing up for the 5K.

Q. Will the 2Mi Walk be timed?

A. No, the Walk will not be timed.

Q.  Can I leave my child(ren) at the starting line while I run the 5K or walk the 2M?

A.  No.  Please leave your children in the care of a responsible guardian of your choosing, if you cannot be with them. 

Q.  Can I bring my dog?

A.  No.  We know many dogs are friendly, but for the comfort of all participants many of whom will be children, please leave animals at home. 

Q.  Can I or my children participate on a bicycle, a scooter, wagon, skateboard, or rollerblades?

A.  No.  For the safety of all, none of the above will be permitted on the course. 

Q.  Can I run with a stroller?

A.  Yes, however, we ask that you line up towards the back of all runner participants at the start line.

Q.  I am unable to participate in the run.  How may I make a donation to the Mahwah Schools Foundation?

A.  Visit www.thunderbirdrunmahwah.com to make a donation. Thank You! 

Q.  I have a question that is not answered here.

A.  Please contact us at themahwahschoolsfoundation@gmail.com with any questions or comments. Thank you!

HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE KIDS RUN?
The KIDS Run is for all children in grades K-5.
*If you are a Mahwah student please be sure to select your school on the Registration form.

HOW FAR IS THE KIDS RUN?
Grades K,1,2 run one lap around the track (0.25 miles). Grades 3,4,5 run 2 laps around the track (0.5 miles). Students race by grade (boys and girls together). The top three finishers for each grade will receive a medal.

IMPORTANT INFO
ENTRY FEE: $15/child until 9/30/2026. $20/child until 11/22/2026
*Register by 11/1/2026 to be guaranteed a Kids Run Shirt in your child's size!
Registration on race day opens at 9:30am. There will be limited availability of shirts on race day, so please plan to register in advance to be guaranteed a Kids Run shirt. 

Kids Run shirts will be LONG SLEEVE COTTON SHIRTS.

PARKING INFORMATION:

The main parking for the Thunderbird Run will be at the Joyce Kilmer School and at the Center for Food Action parking lot. Members of the CERT Team will be directing parking on race day. Please follow their directions and plan on turning off Ridge Road into the Joyce Kilmer entrance upon arrival. 

**IMPORTANT** 

The Joyce Kilmer and Center for Food Action parking lots will be CLOSED during the duration of the 5K from 8:15a.m- 9:45a.m. This is to ensure the safety of our participants. Should you need to depart earlier please park in the High School lot or off-site.
We thank you for your cooperation.

RIDGE ROAD CLOSURES WILL BEGIN AT 8:15AM. RIDGE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM MACARTHUR BLVD TO MAHWAH HIGH SCHOOL.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE BY 8AM.

Who We Are: The Mahwah Schools Foundation (MSF) is a parent volunteer organization whose mission is to support excellence, creativity and innovation in the Mahwah public schools, grades K-12. The MSF fundraises throughout the school year in order to fund teacher-driven grants that energize the academic and creative lives of Mahwah students but are above and beyond our school district budget.

The Annual Thunderbird Run is a successful community celebration with over 1,200 people in attendance either running, walking, volunteering or cheering on participants. In addition to the increased runner involvement yearly, we are fortunate to have a strong presence from our local teachers, civic groups and the business community. This year’s event will once again highlight the best of what Mahwah has to offer, including beautiful scenery and community spirit. Thanks to the successful introduction in 2009 of our health fair, Trails to Wellness, we are lucky to have over two dozen local businesses come out to educate, inspire and motivate our community. Our Kids Run has everyone cheering as over 250 kindergarten to fifth grade runners make their way to the finish line on the MHS track! Each year we expect an even larger turnout as we continue to evolve into a healthy and active festival and community event for all ages and skill levels.

*Cash Prizes will be awarded in certain categories, as will medals for age groups.

*Parking for the event will be at the Joyce Kilmer School and Mahwah High School parking lots.