The Ultimate LBI Running Guide: Races, Clubs, & Routes

A run club and fitness community open to LBI locals and all of Ocean County. All paces are welcome — whether you're easing into a casual jog or chasing a new PR, you'll find someone to match your stride. The group meets twice a week, with regular events and pop-up workouts scattered throughout the season.

Good dogs. Good coffee. Great company.

Join Yellow Dog Run Club every Saturday at 8am at Yellow Dog Coffee Roasters in Manahawkin for their weekly run. Whether you want to run, walk, push a stroller, or bring your pup along, everyone is welcome. Stick around afterward for coffee, conversation, and a dog-friendly community.

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.

Hop into the Reynolds Family Foundation's Bunny Hop 5K, a flat and fast course through Beach Haven's historic district just a block from the ocean. Choose between the 5K or the 1-mile fun run/walk. Every dollar of your entry fee goes directly to local food initiatives — a single adult registration provides enough meals to feed a family for a week.

The Simon's Heart of a Champion 5K Run/Walk takes runners on a flat, certified course through the shore-town streets of Surf City, starting and finishing at the Surf City Fire House. Proceeds are split between the Simon J. Mariani Foundation — which provides educational scholarships and financial relief to families in need — and the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department & EMS Co. #1, who answer roughly 1,000 fire, water rescue, and EMS calls each year. Race shirts are available to early registrants, and every finisher gets a medal. A virtual race option is also available.

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.

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 and awards ceremony at ManaFirkin Brewing Co after the race with special drinks, food, and snacks.

Distances:
Triathlon: 1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run
Duathlon: 2 mile run, 12 mile bike, 5K run
Aquabike: 1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike

Come out and support the High Point Volunteer Fire Company for their efforts in 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.

The Stop, Drop & Run 5K and 10K is one of the Jersey Shore's favorite hometown race traditions, hosted by the Barnegat Fire Company. The course kicks off right on the Barnegat Bay Docks and combines fast, flat running with waterfront views and a whole lot of community spirit, all in support of the men and women who serve the town. Whether you're chasing a PR, running with friends, walking with family, or just soaking in the shore-town atmosphere, there's a distance for everyone — a 1-mile fun run, a 5K, and a 10K — plus music, vendors, and post-race fun that keeps runners coming back year after year.

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 strong. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.