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

Registration

Will participation medals be given?

We will distribute participation medals to the first 2,000 registered live and virtual runners and walkers.

Will awards be given out?

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

Will participants receive t-shirts?

We will distribute t-shirts to the first 2,000 pre-registered participants (runners and walkers). If any t-shirts remain, participants may pick them up after the race. Virtual participants will also receive a co-branded stadium bag in the mail.

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. All participants will receive bibs.

Do you offer discounted registrations for military personnel?

We do offer a discount to military personnel. During registration, you can check a box to apply the discount at the end of the process. You can also register as a team.

Is there onsite registration available on November 1?

On-site registration is available on November 1, but you must pay by 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. Participants who are not checked in by 8:45 a.m. will be moved to the virtual participant category. You can still run the live course after most participants finish, but your time will appear on the virtual leaderboard rather than in the live race results.

Live Event

Where is parking available for the Race and Walk?

* Archery Field Lot (recommended): Enter 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ in your GPS. Access Cherry Lane only from Northfield Avenue, as access from South Orange Avenue will be closed. Tell officials you’re a participant, and they’ll direct you to the lot across from McLoone’s Boathouse.

* McLoone’s Boathouse: 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange

* Turtle Back Zoo: 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange

Portions of Cherry Lane will be closed for the event, and you may need to use alternative routes to access nearby parking.

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.

Important walking information from the parking lots: The reservoir path between the Turtle Back Zoo and Start Village closes at 8:30 a.m. After 8:30 a.m., participants must walk along Northfield Avenue to reach Start Village. Allow approximately 20 minutes. Additional parking lots may also be added and require a 20-minute walk.

Visiting the Zoo after the race? Park at the Zoo and walk to Start Village.

Please allow plenty of time to park, walk to Start Village, and check in before the 8:45 a.m. deadline.

Upon arrival, follow the music to the Start Village entrance near the Oakdale Parking area. Arrive early to enjoy the festivities, including the New Jersey Devils mascot and alumni, Devils-related games, pre- and post-event stretching and recovery tents, the FE Apparel pop-up shop, light refreshments, and more!

What time does registration open and close?

Registration for the live Run and Walk opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 8:45 a.m.

Will you offer early packet pickup?

Skip the race-day crowds, make your morning easier, and pick up your race packet in advance! You’ll have your bib and race materials ready to go when you arrive on race morning. This year, both runners and walkers will receive bibs.

Advance Packet Pickup
Tuesday, October 27
RWJBarnabas Health Offices, 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange
4:00–7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 28
RWJBarnabas Health Offices, 379 Campus Drive, Somerset
4:00–7:00 p.m.

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?

No. 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. If severe weather requires us to cancel or postpone the race, we will notify participants by email and text.

Virtual Event

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

Using the RunGo app is not mandatory, but only participants 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. 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 month.