Join the Pineland Striders for the third annual running of South Jersey's most cherished Boxing Day tradition (trust us, we did a poll; we narrowly beat out the second-place response "what's Boxing Day?"), the Boxing Day 5K! If you've got the day off and want to run a low-key race with a few quirky surprises, this is the race for you!
Proceeds from the race will be donated to Angels Community Outreach. This organization provides clothing, food, toiletries and many other resources to families in need. What better way to celebrate the holiday season than by helping an organization to directly improve the lives of the families it serves? If you're not able to attend, consider showing your support by donating through the race page.
The event features a USATF-sanctioned, chip-timed 5K and FREE Kids' Fun Run. Each pre-registered participant in the 5K will receive a PREMIUM one-size-fits-all race giveaway (day-of registrants will receive giveaways as supplies last)! No scratchy cotton t-shirt with dozens of sponsor logos at this race! Stay tuned, as we'll reveal our exciting swag a bit closer to race day!
We're also continuing a longstanding Pineland Striders Boxing Day tradition: the regifting raffle! Got some presents for Christmas (or any other winter holiday that falls on or before December 25) that aren't quite your style? Bring them along! After the race, we'll have a wide variety of donated gifts. In a randomly-selected order, runners will be invited to pick a free gift. While we appreciate gift donations, they are not required, and every participant will be invited to select a gift (unless/until we run out), even if they don't bring one. Gifts do not need to be running-related at all; we will accept ANYTHING!*
The 5K course uses residential roads surrounding Signal Hill Elementary School and, you're never going to believe this, has some hills! The roads are not closed to traffic, but there is generally very little this time of day. Still, please be mindful and aware of your surroundings. There is a very small section of the course that goes off-road (it's a grass-covered field, which is flat and not at all technical). The course will be marked with cones and chalk arrows, and volunteers will be stationed at tricky turns to make sure you don't wander off-course. Because this is a winter race, there will be NO on-course hydration; if you will need water during the race, plan to bring your own. Strollers are allowed, but due to USATF rules, dogs are not permitted in the race. The 5K will have about a 90-minute time cutoff, so run-walkers and walkers are welcome. After the race, warm beverages and snacks will be provided.
This event will be held rain-or-shine. That said, in the event that we do experience significant snowfall, we may be forced to cancel. Unfortunately, the majority of race expenses must be paid up-front (that's why we have to charge an entry fee), so we will not be able to issue refunds if the event is cancelled. We appreciate that losing a race registration fee is frustrating, so if we are forced to cancel, we will ensure that all pre-registered runners receive their race swag and will make every effort to offer registered runners a deferral or discount to another Pineland Striders race (while we have you here, feel free to mark off Saturday, June 28 on your calendar! That'll be our annual Independence Day 5k/10k!).
Event Schedule:
7:30am - Bib Pickup/Race Day Registration Begins
8:45am - Free Kids' Fun Run Start
9:00am - 5K Start
10:15am - 5K Awards Ceremony
10:30am - Regifting Raffle
Awards will be given to the first place male, female, and non-binary finishers. Age group awards will be given to the first three male, female, and non-binary finishers in the following age groups: under 15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and older.
