Why Race @ The Merriest Night?
4 Different Race Options!
5K - Open To All
Mile Walk - Open To All
Youth Mile Run - 14 or Younger
Daisy's Reindeer Run 200m Dash - 8 or Younger
Free Race Swag!
Every Race Participant Receives A Complementary Cup of Cocoa from Travelin' Toms Coffee and A Dri-Fit Long Sleeve Tee With Their Registration; but thats not all! Daisy's Reindeer Run Participants also receive reindeer antlers to wear during their race!
Awards!
There are plenty of opportunities to win awards at The Merriest Night! The top male/female finishers of the 5K receive a trophy; and the top 3 participants from each age-group receive a medal. In addition, the top 5 finishers of the Mile Walk & Youth-Mile run receive medals. As well as the top 3 costumes in the costume contest & every finisher of Daisy's Reindeer Run!
Post-Race Festivities
The Merriest Night is a holiday experience like never seen before! Stay after the race for a full-on holiday festival! There will be a tree-lighting ceremony, live musical performances, vendors on the North Pole Main Street, festive crafts and activities, a showing of a classic christmas movie, and more! Plus take in the sights of Festive Decor as you race & celebrate the holidays at The Merriest Night!
Events
Youth Mile
Daisy's Reindeer Run
Festivities Pass
Event Description
🎄 The Merriest Night
Join us at Timber Creek Park for The Merriest Night, an evening Christmas celebration featuring three festive races, holiday entertainment, and family-friendly activities!
Whether you're chasing a personal best, enjoying a holiday walk, or introducing your little ones to racing, there's something for everyone. Experience the magic of the North Pole Woods, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, and celebrate the season with friends, family, and your community!
🎁 Register before December 1st to receive FREE event swag! Our 2026 swag item will be revealed November 1st on On The Dime Timing's social media pages.
🎅 Don't forget to participate in Daisy's Dashing Dress-Up Contest: Wear your best festive attire for a chance to win a special costume award!
🎅 Our Three Races
The Merriest 5K
Open to runners of all ages | 3:15 PM
Race through Timber Creek Park's festive North Pole Woods, featuring wooded trails, Christmas decorations, and a spectacular inflatable finish-line arch beside the rotunda pavilion. Whether you're competing for an award or enjoying the holiday atmosphere, this is the evening's main event!
The Merriest Mile
Runners 15 & Under and walkers of all ages | 3:20 PM
Enjoy a shorter journey through the North Pole Woods, complete with holiday decorations and a festive finish beneath the Christmas arch. Perfect for young runners and walkers of all ages!
Daisy's Reindeer Run
Children 8 & Under | 3:00 PM
Daisy the Dime has a special challenge for our youngest racers! Children will dash 200 meters wearing their very own reindeer antlers, with every finisher receiving a medal!
🎄 The Merriest Night Festivities
The celebration doesn't end at the finish line!
Following the races, participants can decorate an ornament for our community Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, followed by the race awards!
Then, enjoy an evening full of holiday magic:
🎶 Live traditional Christmas music and a special local musician performance
☕ Specialty hot cocoa from Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck
🎁 Craft vendors along The North Pole Mainstreet
🎨 Holiday crafts, mini-games, and family activities
🍴 Food vendors and festive pavilion seating
🎬 An outdoor Christmas movie to end the night!
Bring a blanket and comfy clothes for the movie!
Festivities Admission
Not racing but want to join the celebration? Purchase a Festivities Pass to enjoy the evening's holiday entertainment and activities!
Family members of registered participants & registered participants do not need a festivities pass.
🏆 Awards
The Merriest 5K
Trophies for Top Overall Male & Female Finishers
Medals for Top 3 Male & Female Finishers in each age group
5K Age Groups: 14 & Under, 15–19, 20–24, 25–34, 35–49, 50–64, 65+
The Merriest Mile
Awards for Top 5 Youth Mile Finishers (15 & Under)
Awards for Top 5 Mile Walk Finishers
Daisy's Reindeer Run
Finisher medals for every participant!
🏃 Race Day Information
Location: Timber Creek Park
Check-In: Begins at 1:30 PM at the large pavilion.
Race Start Times:
3:00 PM | Daisy's Reindeer Run
3:15 PM | The Merriest 5K
3:20 PM | The Merriest Mile
Parking: Main park parking lot, with overflow along the entrance drive and street parking near Taylor Avenue Fields.
Race Day Registration: Available for an additional $10 per event. Cash only. Pleasue use exact change.
Race Swag: Free for participants registered before December 1st. Revealed November 1st!
Hot Cocoa: Every registered participant receives one complimentary specialty hot chocolate with their bib.
Payment Reminder: Additional vendor purchases may be cash only. Please come prepared!
⏱️ Timing & Contact
Timed & Operated by On The Dime Timing
🌐 www.onthedimetiming.com
📸 Instagram: @onthedimetiming
✉️ onthedimetc@yahoo.com
Live race results will be available online following the race at www.onthedimetiming.com/live
From the first step through the North Pole Woods to the final cup of cocoa, The Merriest Night is more than a race. It's a community Christmas celebration! 🎄
View The Course Map!
Contact Form
Event Location
Timber Creek Park
1701 Chews Landing Rd
Blackwood, NJ 08012 US
View Location on Map
