Join the Pineland Striders for the fourth 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 (or if you have an inattentive boss) join us for this fun, low-key, quirky race!
Proceeds from the race will be donated to Randall's Rescue. The Pineland Striders recently lost a beloved member whose love for his family and running was only matched by his love of animals. In his honor, we've chosen to support this wonderful organization that works tirelessly to find loving homes for pets in need. If you're not able to attend, please consider showing your support by donating through the race page. Sadly, we won't have any furry friends up for adoption at the race. We'll also be accepting donations of goods, so please consider bringing any of the following "high-need" items: canned cat food (Friskies), dry cat food (cat chow), laundry essentials, or clumping kitty litter.
The event features a USATF-sanctioned, chip-timed 5K and FREE Kids' Fun Run. Each pre-registered participant in the 5K will receive a pair of rechargeable electric hand warmers which double as USB power banks. When you grab your phone to take a picture of the slightly lopsided snowperson your kids made, it'll be fully charged and your fingers will be nice and warm. That's right, folks, we're just out here facilitating cherished lifelong family memories, no big deal.
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. It's not called Signal HILL by coincidence! 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 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 for cancellation. 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 27 on your calendar! That'll be our annual Independence Day 5k/10k!).
EVENT SCHEDULE:
Friday, December 26th - RACE DAY!
- 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.
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 pinelandstridersraces@gmail.com.
*Obviously, we won't accept literally ANYTHING. Gifts should be new and unopened. Pretend we're the US Post Office: if it's alive, explosive, or pointy, we probably don't want it. Consumables legally restricted to those 21+ are fine--we'll be keeping an eye on things and will make sure your 12-year-old doesn't bring home a bottle of apricot schnapps from someone's Aunt Gertrude.
