The Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:30 AM on October 25, 2026, at Simons Park in Morris Plains, New Jersey, giving traveling athletes time to settle in the night before. Despite the race name, actual distances on offer are 1 mile and 5 mile options, so plan your effort accordingly. Entry fees range from $10 to $45 depending on your chosen distance and registration timing. If you can't make it to Morris Plains in person, a virtual participation option is available. This race benefits education initiatives, so your entry fee supports a meaningful cause while you train for or race a distance that fits your schedule.
From the Race Organizer
Description: Sign up now for the Annual Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk o n our FLAT, FAST course through the streets of Morris Plains. Organized by the EFMP, proceeds from the race benefit all students in the Morris Plains School District. This year's race will still be a hybrid event (in person and/or virtual) , so you can join us on race day (Oct. 25th) in person on the streets of Morris Plains (Start/Finish at Simons Park) OR run at your own location/time during the weekend. We also have a Kid’s Fun Run for children 10 and under to kick-start their running aspirations. Have a little one? This event is perfect for kids and strollers! WHY WE RUN: Education Foundation of Morris Plains raises money for Morris Plains School District, which will directly benefit all students in the district. This year, we are funding innovative programs powered by our dynamic administration and staff at both Mountain Way and Borough Schools. HYBRID - VIRTUAL OPTION: Can't make it with us in-person for the event? You're in luck! You can also register for a Virtual 5K Race instead. This can be completed whenever you would like between October 24- 25, 2026. Participants can run, walk or hike the 5K. If you want to do it all at once you can, or you can break it up and do it over the weekend. Where you complete it is up to you. Your local neighborhood, a park, a hiking trail, or a treadmill are all great options! Grab a friend, family member, or just yourself and go have some fun! . TEAM CHALLENGE: Choose to register as a team to have fun and raise your organization's profile. The largest teams win a prize, plus social media reignition exposure, and exclusive bragging rights until next time! PRE-RACE CHECK IN: This year we will be offering a stress free pre-race day check in! No need to get out of your car, drive by and get your race day t-shirt and bib with RFID Timing Chip and be ready for Sunday's race. Pull up to the back of Morris Plains Borough's parking lot roundabout. There will be EFMP volunteers to help guide you. Want to register and not pay for day-of registration pricing, come to our pre-race check in and secure your race bib (can not guarantee requested shirt sizes will still be available - please register early to secure your t-shirt and requested size). Pre Pick up Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Pre Pick up Time : 11am - 1 pm Pre Pick Up Location: Back of Morris Plains Borough School GPS Location to use : 62 Mountain Way - School driveway is directly across from this address DAY OF REGISTRATION & CHECK IN: Regular check-in and last-minute registrations will open at 8:00 am. Participants who have not already picked up their t-shirt and bib with RFID Timing Chip should arrive early and head to Simons Memorial Park Turf Field in Morris Plains, NJ. PARKING SUGGESTIONS : Parking is limited, we suggest people who will be driving to the race to park at one of the following: Back of Borough Elementary **Same location as pre-race day pick up. Font Parking lot at Borough Elementary: 500 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Morris Plains Library: 77 Glenbrook Rd, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Banks in Downtown Morris Plains: Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains Please know, select local streets will be closed for the race, we recommend leaving enough time to park, register, and be ready to support the Fun Run that starts at 8:30am with 5k warm ups starting directly after, lead by Pure Barre® of Denville. EXCLUSIVE RACE DAY PERKS - Available to qualifying participants. 1. Morris Plains Teachers & Staff - As a token of our appreciation for everything you do, Morris Plains teachers and staff are eligible for a special discounted registration rate of just $25 for the Strides for Education 5K! Please see your principal for the exclusive registration code. This special rate is available through September 25, 2026. 2. The EFMP will cover the registration fee for students and families with financial need. For more information, please contact the student’s principal. All requests will be kept confidential. RACE DAY SCHEDULE 8:00 AM - Race check in / Pick up T-Shirts & timing bibs 8:30 AM - Kids' Fun Run Starts 8:40 AM - Group Warm Up Hosted by Pure Barre® of Denville 9:00 AM - 5K Race Start 10:00 AM - Award Presentation Looking forward to seeing everyone on October 25th (arrive early for the 9am 5K start)!
Course & Travel Notes
Head to Morris Plains, New Jersey on October 25th, 2026 for the Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk, which kicks off at 8:30 AM—plenty of time after sunrise at 7:20 AM to get yourself situated. If you're flying in, Morristown Municipal Airport is just 4.6 miles away, making it super convenient for race weekend. Pack layers and bring a rain jacket, since October weather in this area typically runs from the low 42s to mid-60s, and there's about a one-in-three chance of rain. The venue sits at 561 feet elevation, so it's a pretty manageable course from a climbing perspective.
⛰️ 561 ft elevation☀️ Typically 64°F / 42°F · 36% chance of rain✈️ Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU) — 4.6 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 25.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Morris Plains, 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
When is Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Morris Plains, NJ?
Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Morris Plains, NJ takes place on October 25, 2026. The race is held in Morris Plains, New Jersey.
Where is Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Morris Plains, NJ held?
Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Morris Plains, NJ is held at Mountain Way, in Morris Plains, New Jersey.
Where can I find hotels near Strides for Education Hybrid 5K Run/Walk 2026 — Morris Plains, NJ?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Morris Plains. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
