Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to stop running. Fortunately, Long Beach Island is home to a thriving and growing running community. With local running clubs, classic races, and scenic flat routes, LBI is the perfect place to run—whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned runner. Here’s your go-to guide for all things running on Long Beach Island.
Choose your run 👇
👟 Running Clubs
Greenhead Run Club
Join the Greenhead Run Club for scenic sunset and morning runs twice a week with a fun, low-pressure group. This is a run-at-your-own-pace club. Just find a few runners who match your speed and head out together.
Whether you run, jog, or walk, if you can cover 3 miles, this is the club for you! Open to all ages. Bring your family, friends, and even your pets!
Nothing too serious—just good people, fresh air, and a great way to move.
- When: Wednesday @ 6:30pm & Saturday @ 7:45am Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Where: Holgate Wooden Jetty Parking Lot (parking lot at the southernmost point of the island)
- Instagram: Click Here
- Strava: Click Here
LBI Run Club
Join the LBI Run Club every Saturday for a relaxed, all-levels run—open to all ages and experience levels. This run club typically covers 3 miles at a comfortable pace.
After the run, stick around for a casual coffee or drink with the group—it’s a great way to meet friendly faces and connect with the local community.
No pressure, just good company and a great start to your weekend.
- When: Saturday @ 10 am
- Where: Location varies from Barnegat Light, Ship Bottom, and Veteran's Park. Check their Instagram for weekly updates.
- Instagram: Click Here
- Strava: Click Here
Sunday Runday with Loco Motion Community
Your new Sunday ritual is here! Join the Loco Motion Community for Sunday morning runs at 8 am. All levels are welcome. This free running club meets weekly throughout the summer at the Local Motion Studio in Beach Haven and finishes strong at Guapo’s Coffee House. A great way to start your Sunday!
- When: Sundays @ 8 am
- Where: Local Motion Studio in Beach Haven (510 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven)
- Instagram: Click Here
- Website: Click Here
Healthy Kids Running Series
Healthy Kids Running Series, located in Manahawkin, is a fun, five-week program held in the spring and fall, designed for children from Pre-K through 8th grade. Each weekly event features age-appropriate races, including the 50- and 75-yard dashes, as well as 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, and 1-mile runs. Participants earn points based on their race finishes each week, encouraging consistency, improvement, and a love of running.
- When: Sundays in the Spring and Fall
- Where: Lighthouse Park, Lighthouse Drive, Ocean Acres Manahawkin, NJ US 08050
- Website: Click Here
🏃 Races & Events
Ship Bottom Sprint for Life
This meaningful 5K brings the community together to raise funds for local families affected by cancer. Whether you run or walk, every step supports patients and their loved ones in the fight of their lives. After the race, join the celebration at Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant.
- When: April 5th, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
- Where: Ship Bottom Boat Ramp (West 10th Street, Ship Bottom)
- Website: Click Here
DQ Long Beach Township PBA Breakfast 5K
This community-driven 5K starts off June by supporting Long Beach Township PBA 373. Beginning and ending at Nardi’s Tavern, the race welcomes runners and walkers of all levels. Participants enjoy a scenic route, a finisher’s medal, and a post-race breakfast at Nardi’s. Proceeds benefit local law enforcement initiatives, making each step meaningful.
- When: June 1st, 2025 @ 8:30 AM
- Where: Nardi's Tavern
- Website: Click Here
Running with the Sharks
Join Ship Bottom Brewery and Second Capital Running as they come together to put on a wonderful day of running fun. Venture through the streets of Beach Haven on this exciting 5K race. After the race, stop by the brewery for the awards ceremony and complimentary beer for runners 21+. There’s also a free kid’s dash after the 5K race.
- When: June 9th, 2025 @ 8:00 AM
- Where: Ship Bottom Brewery, Beach Haven, NJ
- Website: Click Here
Stafford Race for HOPE Triathlon, Duathlon, & Aquabike
This is a smooth, flat and fast course. You’ll run through Deer Lake Park, swim in a deep freshwater lake, and bike on a smooth road. This is an out and back course. There is a party & awards ceremony at ManaFirkin Brewing Co. after the race with special drinks, food, and snacks.
Here are the distances for each race:
Triathlon Distances
1/4 mile Swim, 12 mile Bike, & 5k Run
Duathlon Distances
2 mile Run, 12 mile Bike, & 5k Run
Aquabike Distances
1/4 mile Swim & 12 mile Bike
- When: June 14th, 2025 @ 7:00 AM
- Where: Manahawkin Lake Park, NJ
- Website: Click Here
Firecracker 5K
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than a family friendly 5K race. This 5K race helps support and raise money for the Barnegat High School Cross Country and Track & Field teams. There’s an assortment of fun events for all ages including a 400m fun run for kids, the national anthem, the 5K race, and an award ceremony under the pavilion. You’ll receive a t-shirt with your registration.
- When: July 4th, 2025 @ 8:15 AM
- Where: Barnegat High School, NJ
- Website: Click Here
Dog Day Road Race
Come out and support the High Point Volunteer Fire Company for their efforts of protecting and serving the community. The Dog Day Road Race is hosted by the fire department and takes runners on a 5K race through the beautiful Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island. A t-shirt is included with your registration. Cash prizes are given to the first 3 male and first 3 female finishers.
- When: August 17th, 2025 @ 9:00 AM
- Where: 10 West 80th Street, Harvey Cedars, NJ
- Website: Click Here
Stop, Drop, and Run
Support the Barnegat Fire Department in their annual Stop, Drop, and Run race. The race kicks off with a 1 mile fun run, followed by a 5K and 10K starting at 8:30 AM.
- When: August 30th, 2025 @ 8:00 AM
- Where: Barnegat Municipal Dock, NJ
- Website: Click Here
Ecto Ghouler 5K
Ship Bottom Brewery is celebrating the release of their new and tasty Ecto Ghouler IPA with a fall 5K race. Come join the celebration running through the streets of Beach Haven and enjoying a free beer (for runners 21+) at the after party. The best costume gets a 4 pack on the house!
- When: October 4th, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
- Where: Ship Bottom Brewery, Beach Haven, NJ
- Website: Click Here
St. Francis 18 Mile Run
Join the LBI community in this traditional annual 18 mile run hosted by St. Francis Community Center. This is a perfect race for competitive runners, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking for a challenge while supporting a great cause. You’ll have great coastal views, locals cheering you on, and fresh salt air keeping you running strung. This is a great way to explore the island. If you’re training for a marathon or just seeing if you can go the distance, this is the race for you!
- When: October 12th, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
- Where: Roosevelt & Pershing Avenue, Holgate, NJ
- Website: Click Here
Thanks4Giving 5K Runraiser
Held annually in Surf City, the Thanks4Giving 5K Runraiser is a family-friendly event supporting the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean. Participants can choose between a certified 5K course or a 1-mile fun run/walk, both starting at the Surf City Firehouse. Proceeds benefit local food pantries, and participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or unwrapped toys for community drives. It’s a meaningful way to give back during the holiday season.
- When: November 2025 @ 9:00 AM
- Where: Surf City Firehouse on Long Beach Blvd in Surf City
- Website: Click Here
Gobble Wobble 5K and 1/2 Mile
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with this festive 5K in Manahawkin, supporting the Stafford Township D.A.R.E. Program. Runners, walkers, and strollers are all welcome, and kids can join the fun in the ½ Mile Drumstick Dash. It’s a heartwarming way to give back before indulging in your holiday feast.
- When: November 27th, 2025 @ 8:00 AM
- Where: Stafford Municipal Building (260 East Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ)
- Website: Click Here
🗺️ Where To Run
The Beach
For runners who crave a challenge with a view, LBI’s beaches offer an invigorating option. Running on sand engages more muscles than pavement and gives your joints a break. Stick to the packed sand near the waterline for the smoothest stride, especially at low tide. Early mornings are ideal—cooler temps, fewer crowds, and a sunrise worth the effort.
The Road
Road running on LBI can be scenic and practical. Just remember: always run against traffic so you can see oncoming cars and stay safe. Most side streets are relatively quiet, but be mindful during the busy summer season. For longer routes, try running from town to town, like Surf City to Beach Haven.
Try out these running routes:
Holgate
➡️ Holgate parking lot → S Long Beach Blvd → left on W Susan Ave → right on West Ave
Beach Haven
➡️ Anywhere on North & South Atlantic Ave
Beach Haven Crest & Brant Beach
➡️ Anywhere on Ocean Blvd & Beach Ave
Ship Bottom
➡️ Anywhere on Central Ave and North & South Barnegat Ave
Barnegat Light
➡️ Park at the lighthouse and run on Bayview Ave, right next to Bay Breeze Park
Cedar Bonnet Island Park
This hidden gem near the base of the Causeway offers a peaceful loop with sweeping bay views. The flat gravel trail is great for a light jog or warm-up, and the mix of salt marshes and sky makes for a calming backdrop. While the loop is just under a mile, it’s ideal for interval runs or pairing with other routes nearby.
Barnegat Branch Trail
A short drive off the island brings you to this tree-lined, gravel path extends over 10 miles. It’s perfect for long runs, especially if you’re training for a race. The trail runs through multiple towns, offering shaded stretches, rest areas, and a steady surface throughout. Expect a quieter atmosphere than on-island spots—ideal for zoning out and logging miles.
The Road to Nowhere
Park at the intersection of Hilliard Blvd and Stafford Ave in Manahawkin and run east on Stafford Ave. This 2-mile paved road literally goes to nowhere. When the road comes to an end, you’ll be met with breathtaking views of the Manahawkin marshes. You’ll also encounter a broken, wooden bridge with the name—yep, you guessed it—the Bridge to Nowhere. You can read about the history of the mysterious bridge here.
About the Author
Patrick Johns is a New Jersey writer with a background in engineering and mathematics. He spent his summers on LBI glued to his beach chair reading his next favorite book. He worked at Custard Hut, Country Kettle Chowder, Thundering Surf Waterpark, and Long Beach Island Foundation. After working for a large engineering firm for 3 years outside Washington D.C., he discovered his passion for writing and decided to move to Spain. For 4 years he taught English overseas, wrote and published his own fantasy and poetry books, wrote and performed his own music live, and got involved in many freelance projects like copywriting, editing, and book coaching. Currently back in the US, Patrick is passionate about inspiring people with non-writing backgrounds to gain the confidence, routine, and skills to finally start the book they’ve always wanted to write. He’s convinced his writing journey blossomed from those days reading on the beach in Long Beach Island.
When he’s not writing, you can find him…
🏄 Out in the ocean, surfing some narly waves
📚 Reading whatever he can get his hands on
🗺️ Traveling and seeking inspiration for his next book
Follow Patrick’s writing journey on his website:
www.patrickjohnswrites.com