Always Ready 5K

The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation will be hosting the third annual Always Ready 5K and Always Ready K9 on Saturday, October 12, 2024. 

5K RUN

This landmark event flows through the scenic city of Cape May and will offer the unique opportunity to run through the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May - The Birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard. Chip timed with instant results thanks to South Jersey Race Timing and awards to the top 3 M/f Overall and Age Groups: 14 & under, 15-19, and 10 year AG up to 60+. Race Shirts are guaranteed to those registered by September 30 (limited supply after) and all finishers receive a commemorative Always Ready Challenge Coin.

 ALWAYS READY K9 RACE

This 3K run/walk option is open to four-legged friends accompanied by 2 legged guides. Dogs must be leashed on no longer than a 6ft lead and able to maintain a calm disposition for the entirety of the event. The K9 race will start 5 minutes after the 5K. This race is brought to you by our partners at Blue Line K9.  Each finisher will receive a Blue Line K9 Champion Medal and an Always Ready K9 Bandana.

VIRTUAL RACES

Virtual 5K and K9 runners will have the entire month of October to complete their best time and will receive the same swag as the corresponding live event. Virtual packets will not be mailed out until after the in-person race on 10/12.

COURSES

The 5K will start and finish at Harborview Park and will bring runners by Fishermans Memorial as they enter Coast Guard Training Center Cape May,  the home of the Coast Guard enlisted corps and the Coast Guard's only enlisted accession point and recruit training center. A nearly 1.5 mile tour of the base will promise plenty of monumental views running along the harbor and a glimpse of the cutters at port. Course details are subject to change. 

The K9 race will start 5 minutes after the 5K and follow the same route until runners reach the entrance to the base. K9 runners will not enter US Training Center Cape May, but will instead turnaround near the gate and return back to Harborview Park. 

TAPS HONOR BIBS

We invite you to honor one of America's Fallen Heroes by wearing a TAPS honor bib during your run. You can pick up a TAPS honor bib on race day and learn more about the Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors. If you have a specific fallen hero you'd like to run in honor of, please get in touch with aimee.selix@taps.org to have a bib made for you in time for the race. All requests must be submitted by September 30th. Thank you for your support!

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

Founded in 2015, the mission of the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is to nurture the relationship between Coast Guard members and their families and the people of Cape May County. We host and promote family-friendly activities throughout the year to celebrate the men and women of the United States Coast Guard serving in the South Jersey region.  Our programs honor Coast Guard men and women who serve our country and celebrate the county’s designation as a Coast Guard Community. We also support projects that enhance the morale and welfare of members of the United States Coast Guard and their families.

The foundation partners with Cape May County, its 16 municipalities and other community partners throughout the year to present activities that educate about the deep connections between the Coast Guard and the region.  Cape May County is designated as a “Coast Guard Community”, one of a select number of cities and counties in the nation.  The honor is reserved for communities that show special support and consideration for the Coast Guard and was awarded after approval by the United States Coast Guard and an act of Congress.

Second Capital Running produces races throughout South Jersey with the mission of cultivating strong community action and leadership through the sport of running. We are honored to work alongside the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation to bring another iconic event to Cape May.