
Exercise is a weird thing, isn’t it? Even though laying down all day and staying indoors sounds more restful, it’s somehow the getting out and staying active that tends to give us energy. Hey - we don’t get it either, and we don’t make the rules.
If you’re having trouble fitting exercise into your day-to-day, though, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a lack of time or few-and-far-between gyms, it can be difficult to maintain a steady routine.
Well, if you’re into running, being outdoors, and crowds of people cheering you on, you’re in luck! Running events are the perfect solution. There’s nothing like seeing a friend or loved one jumping up and down and shouting at the top of their lungs as you approach the finish line of a race.
Our pals at Virtua Health are cheering you on, too, with this list of South Jersey running events you might want to check out this June 2024!
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library A-Run Run Run (Pennsauken, NJ)
If you’re a Dolly Parton fan, or even if you just enjoy books, this is not one to miss! On Saturday, Jun. 1, not only do you get to participate in a 5k with post-race refreshments, free T-shirts, and medals for all participants, but there’s even something in it for the non-runners. The best Dolly Parton costume wins some fun awards! The proceeds go to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Philadelphia, which provides free books for children up to age 5. Run, don’t walk, to this event!
Run the Vineyards - Valenzano 5K (Shamong, NJ)
This event, for the 8th year in a row, combines cardio, wine, and good times! On Sunday, Jun. 2, whether you participate as a runner or a walker, you’ll be making your way through beautiful country roads and natural terrain for this race. At the end, you’ll even get to enjoy some delicious pizza and fine wine to celebrate your accomplishment!
Mental Health Matters 5K (Mount Holly, NJ)
On Sunday, Jun. 9 in Mount Holly, your running can help bring awareness to mental health initiatives in South Jersey! Join other runners at Historic Smithville Park for the Mental Health Matters 5k, and you’ll be supporting the Burlington County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This event of community engagement serves as a great reminder that “no one faces their mental health journey alone”, a goal that NAMI constantly strives for.
Run with the Docs (Voorhees, NJ)
Lace up your running shoes and join Virtua Health doctors on Sunday, Jun. 9 at Virtua Voorhees Hospital! You can participate in a 5k or a 1 mile run, and if so inclined, so can your furry friend! Proceeds from this event will go to support Virtua’s Perinatal Bereavement and Palliative Care Program, supporting families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant.
Healthy Kids Running Series - Gloucester Twp (Clementon, NJ)
Here’s one for the kids! The Healthy Kids Running Series in Gloucester Township is already underway as a multi-day event (every Sunday until Jun. 23), but you can sign your child up for a single day race at any point in the series. It’s got a variety of race lengths, including 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the ½ mile, and the 1 mile run. What’s in it for them? A day of fun in the sun, and a medal to commemorate their accomplishments!
If you’re looking for more events to get you up and out this summer, make sure to check out more local running events on websites such as Running in the USA or RunSignup. And if you're experiencing muscle pain, stiffness, or anything else that might be holding you back from that gold medal, get connected with Virtua Orthopedics & Spine.
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