Pineland Striders Independence Day Races 2026

Description

Join the Pineland Striders for our annual Independence Day Races! This year, we have the honor of celebrating America's semiquincentennial anniversary! There's really no better way to honor the occasion than with some sweaty summer miles. It's what the founding fathers would have wanted.

The event features a 10K, 5K, and FREE Kids' Fun Run. The first 300 participants to register for the USATF-sanctioned, chip-timed 10K and 5K will receive a durable, comfortable car seat cover towel. After a sweaty run or a day at the beach, you'll be able to protect your car seat in style. As an added bonus, the towel is the first swag item EVER to feature the brand-new logo for the Independence Day Races. Seat covers are available in either blue or red, and participants can choose their preferred color at bib pickup (color preferences will be honored while supplies last and will be first-come, first-served).

Both the 10K and 5K courses are fast and flat. On-course hydration will be available. Strollers are allowed on both the 10K and 5K races. Sorry, pet-lovers, but dogs are not allowed in the race. With a two-hour cutoff, all paces are welcome!

UPDATE: We were informed that construction will once again be started at Shawnee HS right before the race. The 5K is largely unaffected, but the 10K route will follow the same modification as last year. Both distances will take place entirely on pavement (the 10K will no longer cross the athletic fields). The track will not be accessible, and both distances will re-enter Shawnee HS through the main entrance and finish by re-crossing the starting line.

Course maps:

5K Course

10K Course (UPDATED)

Proceeds from the races fund two scholarships for Shawnee High School student athletes, with the remaining proceeds benefiting South Jersey Food Bank . Additional donations can be made through RunSignUp or on the day of the race (and are much appreciated). We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food items at the race.

Pre-registration closes on Wednesday, June 24. Race day registration will be available ($60 for the 10K, $55 for the 5K)!

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, June 26th - Pre-Race Bib Pickup 3:30pm-6:30pm at RunningCo of Medford (62 S Main Street, Medford, NJ 08055)

Saturday, June 27th - RACE DAY! 7:00am - Bib Pickup/Race Day Registration Begins 8:00am - Free Kids' Fun Run Start 8:05am - Pre-race warmup with 3DPT 8:15am - 10K Start 8:30am - 5K Start 9:30am - 5K Awards Ceremony 9:45am - 10K Awards Ceremony 10:30am - Event Concludes

Awards will be given to the first place male, female, and non-binary finisher in both the 10K and 5K races. 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.

If you represent a business that would be interested in joining us as a sponsor or vendor, please contact us .

We are looking for volunteers for the event; if you'd be willing to volunteer, please complete volunteer registration through RunSignUp.

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