From 238 participants in the inaugural race to more than 2,600 participants across four distinct event experiences, RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk on Sunday, November 1st at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange.
The competitive 5K race (on a USATF-Certified Course) and the Wellness Walk will take place along Cherry Lane and the scenic reservoir. The event also includes a virtual option, allowing participants to run or walk at a convenient location in their communities from October 1st to November 1st.
Backed by a 30+ year partnership, this event supports the collective commitment of RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils to improve the health of New Jersey communities. All proceeds from the event will support programs and services that provide essential care across the state, including Behavioral Health Services, Cancer Care, Children's Health, Digestive Health, Emergency Medicine, Heart and Vascular, Neurosciences, Nursing Education, Orthopedics, and Women's Health.
“For the past 10 years, The RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk has brought our system and community together around a shared commitment to build better health and well-being,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “Our partnership with the New Jersey Devils is transformative, and we are deeply grateful to our other partners and individuals who have run, walked, volunteered, donated, and cheered us on over the past decade. The 2026 milestone event will set the standard for the next 10 years and beyond.”
On race day, New Jersey Devils alumni will be joined by beloved mascot, NJ, along with several mascots from New Jersey-based universities and professional sports teams, to take photos and cheer on the participants. All registered runners and walkers receive FREE entry to Essex County’s award-winning Turtle Back Zoo on event day, with a line-up of family-friendly activities planned at the zoo post-race.
For individuals and families not available to participate in the live event, the virtual format offers the option to run or walk around a neighborhood, at a local park, or even on a treadmill from October 1st – November 1st using the RunGo App, which incorporates inspirational audio messages of encouragement from New Jersey Devils players and RWJBarnabas Health patients. New for 2026, virtual participants can choose between the traditional timed run and a cumulative challenge where they log their progress throughout the month until they reach the finish line (3.1 miles). Virtual participants are also eligible for prizes and will receive FREE one-day access to Turtle Back Zoo between November 2nd and December 30th.
For those participants and families taking advantage of their free admission to the Zoo on November 1st, Get Fit with Animals at the Turtle Back Zoo returns in 2026. While exploring the exhilarating animal exhibits, kids are challenged with fun, physical activities at ten exhibits throughout the zoo, and after completing a series of tasks, they can turn in their passport for a prize.
Exciting fundraising incentives are being offered for individuals and teams (Live and Virtual) highlighted by tickets to New Jersey Devils games, signed New Jersey Devils merchandise, a ride on the popular Zamboni, the opportunity to engage with alumni, and more. Awards will be presented for the top three finishers overall and in multiple age categories (Live & Virtual).
To complement the live event and virtual options, more than 100 Devils Youth Hockey players are expected to support the event by participating in a 5K skate – 40 laps around the ice – on October 4th at Essex County’s Codey Arena.
“This year marks a special milestone as we celebrate the 10th annual ‘Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk’ alongside our incredible partner, RWJBarnabas Health,” said Jake Reynolds, President, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. “Over the past decade, this event has become much more than a race - it’s created an opportunity to bring our fans, partners and communities together around a shared commitment to health and wellness while making a meaningful impact across New Jersey. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and excited to carry that momentum into the next decade.”
RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk is made possible in part by generous support from FE, Kayal Orthopedics, Withum, County Graphics, Aetna, JAG Physical Therapy, Association of New Jersey Chiropractors, Aon, Garfunkel Wild, Personify Health, Bullet Communications, WB Law, and over one hundred volunteers.
For more information, to register or explore volunteer opportunities for the 2026 RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run and Walk, please visit rwjbh.org/runningwiththedevils. Registration for children 11 and under is FREE.
