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!

 

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?

On the day of the event, t-shirts will be distributed to the first 2,000 pre-registered participants (runners and walkers). If there are remaining t-shirts, 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 the registration process.

Is there onsite registration available on November 1?

Onsite registration is available on November 1, but must be paid via credit card as this event is cashless. 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.

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.

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. Utilizing the Reservoir path, the walk from the Zoo lot to the race site is approximately 8-10. 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 and hear encouraging messages of support from current New Jersey Devils players and 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

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!

Follow these simple steps to participate in the RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils Virtual 5K Run & Walk between October 2 - November 2.

Summary: Download the free RunGo app, open the virtual route emailed to participants, start your run in Virtual within the app, stop the run upon completion, and submit your run to the leaderboard at any time. You can start, run, and submit as many times as you like. Only the best time will count for the leaderboard. Please familiarize yourself with the app in advance to help ensure a successful submission.

Step1: Download the free RunGo App for iPhone or Android, or make sure you have the latest update. We suggest creating a free RunGo account to keep track of your completed runs, but this is optional to participate. Scan this QR code with your phone to get the app:

Step 2: All registered participants will receive a link to the virtual course, which can be accessed via the RunGo app. We've created an audio-guided run with a special shape highlighting some of the stories of our healthcare heroes and sending encouraging messages from current New Jersey Devils players.

Step 3: Run the RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devil's custom race course anytime and anywhere. This is not a real-life route! You'll be running with RunGo's unique Virtual Mode, from anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Please make sure to obey all local traffic laws while running.

Open the route in the RunGo app. On iPhone, tap "Follow Virtually" then "Outdoor" if outdoors and "Indoor" if on a treadmill. On Android, tap "Virtual" then "Outdoor" or "Indoor."

Enjoy your audio-guided run, and make sure you can hear the phone, via earbud(s) or speaker. You may lock and put the phone away while running. You can start the route as often as you would like, to test or re-run, anytime in the race window.

iPhone screens:

Android screens:

Step 4: Submit to the leaderboard. At the end of the run, the app will have a pop-up to submit your time. It should populate with your race's name. If not, look for "Share" -> "Submit to Race" and type in your race's name - Running with the Devils. Your submission will seamlessly add your run to the leaderboard on the race website. You will be asked to validate your race submission. Please use your bib number obtained from your RunSignUp profile. You can also submit via an email address, but it will take longer to sync with the leaderboard, and results may not be accurate if you used one email address for multiple participants.  The leaderboard is continuously updated.

You can enter as often as you wish, with your most recent time being used on the leaderboard for prizes.

Step 5: Celebrate! You did it. Way to go! Check the race's website, rwjbh.org/runningwiththedevils, as the leaderboard will be updated daily. The final results will be posted on October 29 in the evening.

Create a #RWTD5K share image, on iPhone, through the Share button on the Run Summary screen.

Tell us your story! Share your run, photo, or video on social media, and mention @RWJBH, @NJDevils, #RWTD5K, or #RWTD23. Social posts may even win you additional prizes!

FAQ

Do I need to run with RunGo? To be considered for any prizes, you must be a registered participant and submit your time via the RunGo app.

Can I listen to music while using the RunGo app? Yes, RunGo will lower the music volume for a moment while telling you where to go or any specific event messaging then the music will return.

How do I find the official route in the RunGo app? The virtual race course is private and for registered virtual participants only. You will only get the official "Virtual" course via email before the race window.

How much does the RunGo app cost? It's free. Your race has partnered with RunGo to make this free.

Does the RunGo app use cellular data while I'm out? As soon as you start the route, no additional data is used by the app. The route is saved to your phone, so the app works offline.

Can I run with my Apple Watch and without my iPhone? If you start the official "Virtual" race course on your Apple Watch, even without your iPhone, you will be able to run with the full experience. Submit from your iPhone after exporting the run from the RunGo watch app to your phone.

You must submit your time to be considered for awards and prizes! It is not enough to just complete the run using the RunGo app. You must confirm the submission of your time to be considered.

Scan this QR code or visit rungoapp.com/download from your phone to download the free RunGo app

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