Planning a summer beach vacation? If your trip isn’t complete without incorporating a little exercise, a 5K race is a great option. These beach town runs provide an opportunity for group exercise in beautiful settings. Plus, many have charitable partners that help you give back to the communities you’re visiting.
(And be sure to check out our May Battle of the Beaches issue. We break down our favorite beaches in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey and tell you which is best for families, shopping, food, history, boardwalk fun, couples, friends, and nightlife.)
Run & Fun Fest
May 10
Take off on a 3.1-mile run through the vineyards at Nassau Commons Boulevard during this festival, hosted by Cape Gazette. Each participant gets two cans of post-run beer from Crooked Hammock and Dogfish Head, and there are activities like a pickleball tournament, food trucks, and live music after the race. Nassau Commons Boulevard, Lewes, Delaware
Justin’s Beach House 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk
May 24
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a run by the beach. This event includes a 5K run and a 2-mile, noncompetitive walk. Proceeds support Justin’s Beach House, a nonprofit that maintains a free respite home for families with cancer. Garfield Parkway and Atlantic Avenue, Bethany Beach, Delaware
Stone Harbor Turtle Trot
May 25
This race takes inspiration from Stone Harbor’s native diamondback terrapins, which cross the town’s roads in search of a place to nest. It consists of a 5K run through the town’s residential neighborhoods, plus a free, family-friendly fun walk. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Wetlands Institute’s efforts to protect terrapins. Stone Harbor, New Jersey
SoDel Cares 5K
June 7
This race in Rehoboth benefits organizations for children, at-risk youth and adults, and the elderly. It’s located at Thompson Island Brewery (runners will be treated to a brew after the race). There will also be live music, a breakfast buffet, and a free T-shirt for all registered participants. Thompson Island Brewing Company: 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Asbury Park Sheehan Classic 5K
August 9
Take a trip down the Asbury Park boardwalk for this race, benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. There are prizes in individual categories, as well as a team competition. Little ones can participate in kids’ races ranging from 50 to 400 meters. Sunset Avenue and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey
Jersey Shore Half Marathon
August 10
Run to support Cape May County community college students at this event. There are options for a 5K, a 10K, or a half marathon. It takes place on a flat, paved course through a forested area of Cape May Court House, near the Cape May County Park & Zoo and easily accessible from Stone Harbor. Atlantic Cape Community College: 341 Court House S. Dennis Rd., Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Feature image of Run & Fun Fest by Nick Roth
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
