PLAYATHON is a free running event held in New Providence, New Jersey on February 20, 2026. The race starts at 12:01 AM at 570 Central Ave. As a zero-entry event, it offers runners an accessible option to participate in organized racing without registration fees. Check the race website or local running groups for details on distance options, course logistics, and any additional information about this midnight start event.
From the Race Organizer
Playathon is one of our most beloved traditions at New Jersey Youth Symphony. We are thrilled to return to The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth. Playathon is also one of our largest fundraisers, raising $100,000 annually. Help us reach this goal by June 30, 2026! Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Because NJYS tuition only covers 70% of our program costs, we need each musician to help us fundraise $295 to help us maintain our high-quality programming! Fundraising supports renting of professional-grade concerts halls for our performances, engaging professional coaches for sectional rehearsals, offering enrichment programs such as workshops, masterclasses, free concerts, extra performing opportunities, college application support, livestreaming for audiences near and far, and of course our scholarship and financial aid program to ensure that every talented youth musician can participate. Fundraising is easy! Set up your individual fundraising page and share with your family and friends to support everything we do. Practice Minutes Challenge We invite all NJYS musicians to participate in our annual Virtual Practice Minutes Challenge. Our goal is to log 50,000 practice minutes. That means that each musician needs to log 100 minutes from Friday February 13 through Friday March 20, 2026 at noon. Leaders will receive prizes each week! Fabulous Prizes Playathon season also means prizes! We have even more prize categories this year: · Top individual fundraiser will win the honor of conducting Can-Can at Playathon. Runners up will also receive prizes (to be announced)! Deadline for fundraising is Friday, March 20, 2026 at noon. · The ensemble with highest participation in Playathon fundraising will win a pizza party! · For the Practice Minutes Challenge, we will announce weekly prizes and an overall winner Friday March 20, 2026.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in New Providence, NJ. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for February 20.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to New Providence, NJ.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
PLAYATHON 2026 — New Providence, NJ takes place on February 20, 2026. The race is held in New Providence, New Jersey.
Where is PLAYATHON 2026 — New Providence, NJ held?
PLAYATHON 2026 — New Providence, NJ is held at 570 Central Ave in New Providence, New Jersey.
Where can I find hotels near PLAYATHON 2026 — New Providence, NJ?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in New Providence. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
