Monmouth County’s Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk 2026 — Holmdel, NJ

Get ready to lace up for history! Join in for a celebration of America’s semi-quincentennial—250 years of courage, creativity, and community. This isn’t just a race… it’s a red-white-and-blue milestone that won’t come around again for another 50 years! Dash through a course bursting with patriotic spirit, high-energy music, and cheers as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and stride boldly into the future. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or a family ready for festive fun, this 5K will have you feeling like fireworks are going off under your feet. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue on race day to show your patriotic pride. Be part of a historic moment. Run the race that happens once every half-century. Celebrate 250 years of the United States in unforgettable style! Pricing: $35 - Now through June 14, 2026 $250 for a Team of 10 EARLY CHECK-IN & BIB PICK-UP Saturday, June 13, 2026 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Bell Works (by the Holmdel Library) 101 Crawfords Corner Road Holmdel, NJ 07733 RACE DAY CHECK-IN & BIB PICK-UP Sunday, June 14, 2026 Beginning at 7:00 A.M. Bell Works – East Entrance - RED Parking Lot Accepting Day of Race Registration: Sunday, June 14, 2026 Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 ( RED Parking Lot on East Entrance Side of Building) FLAG DAY CEREMONY A special Flag Day Ceremony will begin at approximately 8:30 A.M. We encourage all participants to join us as we celebrate our nation's flag and honor its significance. RACE START The Flag Day 5K Race and 1-Mile Freedom Walk will begin promptly at 9:00 A.M. WATER STATIONS & REFRESHMENTS Two water stations will be available along the 5K course at Miles 1 and 2, with an additional water station located at the Start/Finish Line. After the race, participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments, including protein bars, granola bars, bagels, fruit snacks, water, and Gatorade. AWARDS CEREMONY The Awards Ceremony will begin at approximately 10:00 A.M. 5K Awards Top 3 Male and Female Overall Top 3 Male and Female in each age group 18 + under, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ No duplicate awards *The 1 Mile Freedom Walk is not a timed event Accepting donations and teams. Please review the important event information below: MORE THAN JUST A RACE! In addition to the 5K and 1-Mile Freedom Walk, participants and spectators can enjoy: • Pickleball • Rock-climbing wall • Giant games, including Jenga, Checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe, and soccer activities • Appearances by Uncle Sam on Stilts and Buster from the Jersey Shore BlueClaws • Live music and prize giveaways from Thunder 106 • And much more! SPREAD THE WORD! Registration remains open until race time, so there's still time for friends and family members to join the fun. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday for a memorable Flag Day celebration! This race benefits the Friends of the Monmouth County Park System, a charitable organization that provides financial support exclusively for Monmouth County Park System enhancements, including preserving historical and natural resources, providing recreational opportunities for urban youth, and providing activities for individuals with disabilities within the community. This event is brought to you by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, as part of Monmouth County’s official observances of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.