Pineland Striders Boxing Day 5K Fun Run

Join the Pineland Striders for the second running of South Jersey's most cherished Boxing Day tradition (trust us, we did a poll), the Boxing Day 5K! We're confident declaring this is one of the most unique races around, and we're always going to have some surprises in store for our participants.

Proceeds from the race will be donated to the Friends of the Black Run Preserve. The Black Run Preserve encompasses 1,300 acres in Evesham Township, and the FBRP maintains and protects this space. They also facilitate events in the Preserve to share this local treasure with members of the community. The Black Run Preserve contains miles of trails that have long been favorites of the trail-running contingent of the Pineland Striders, so we're honored to contribute to this wonderful organization.

The event features a USATF-sanctioned 5K and FREE Kids' Fun Run. Each pre-registered participant in the chip-timed 5K will receive a PREMIUM race giveaway (day-of registrants will receive giveaways as supplies last)! No scratchy cotton t-shirt with dozens of sponsor logos at this race! Our race premiums are one-size-fits-all. Stay tuned for more details about this exciting swag!

We're also pleased to continue a longstanding Pineland Striders Boxing Day tradition: the regifting raffle! Got some presents for Christmas that aren't quite your style? Bring them along! After the race, we will 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 do not bring a gift. 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 has some hills--we save the juiciest one for the very end of the race! You're welcome! While we have a later start time, we do still ask that runners respect the local residents and be mindful of noise. 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). 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. 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 29 on your calendar, as that'll be our annual Independence Day 5k/10k!).

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, December 26th - RACE DAY!

7:30am - Bib Pickup/Race Day Registration Begins8:45am - Free Kids' Fun Run Start9:00am - 5K Start10:15am - 5K Awards Ceremony10:30am - Regifting Raffle

Awards will be given to the first place male and female finisher. Age group awards will be given to the first three male and female finishers in the following age groups: under 15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and older.

To ensure a successful event, we will require volunteers. If you're not interested in running, consider signing up to volunteer! All volunteers will receive a race premium as thanks for their time.

To learn more about the Pineland Striders running club, or to become a member, visit our website or Facebook page.

If you or someone you know would be interested in donating to or sponsoring the event, please contact us at [email protected].