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

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.