What began as an idea for a free community race brought hundreds of runners, walkers, families and local organizations together in Winslow Township.
The inaugural Winslow Township 5K was held Sept. 19 at New Brooklyn Park in Sicklerville, drawing about 300 people on race day after reaching its 506-person registration capacity before the event.
Built around the message “United. We Win.,” the 5K was designed as more than a race. Organizers sought to create an accessible community event connecting residents through health and wellness while also providing space for local organizations, businesses, public servants and other community resources.
One key component was keeping participation free.
There was no registration fee, and every registered participant received an event T-shirt at no cost. Those who completed the 5K also received a finisher medal.
Interest grew steadily throughout the summer. Registration stood at 120 on June 19, reached 300 by July 6 and climbed to 410 in August. By Sept. 10, all 506 available spots had been claimed.
The registration data also reflected a largely local and regional event.
Of 504 registration records analyzed by organizers, 468 – or 92.9% – came from South Jersey. Another 13 participants were from Philadelphia, meaning more than 95% of analyzed registrations came from South Jersey or Philadelphia.
Sicklerville accounted for the largest share, with 195 registrations. Participants also came from Williamstown, Clementon, Berlin, Camden, Blackwood, Atco, Hammonton and communities throughout the region.
The ages of registered participants ranged from 1 to 71, with a median age of 30. Fifty-three registrants were younger than 18, while adults ages 25 to 34 represented the largest age group. Registration also had an even gender split, with 252 female and 252 male registrants among the records analyzed.
On race day, organizers estimated approximately 300 people attended, with 206 official finishers.
The inaugural event also established the first Winslow Township 5K course records.
Ryan Harrigan, the Winslow Township High School cross-country coach, became the inaugural men’s champion with a time of 18 minutes, 28 seconds.
Joy Voltaire established the women’s course record with a time of 23:08.
One of the day’s youngest standout performers was 9-year-old Juliette Mullen, who finished in 23:29 and placed second overall in the women’s division. Organizers recognized her as the event’s Most Valuable Performer.
But the focus extended beyond who crossed the finish line first.
Organizers emphasized that the event was intended to make movement accessible regardless of pace or experience, giving residents an opportunity to participate whether they chose to run, walk or combine the two.
The race also served as a gathering place for community organizations and resources.
The South Jersey Breast Cancer Coalition participated as a community health resource, while 3DPT Running brought physical-therapy expertise to the event. Camden County College provided a higher-education presence, and the Winslow Township Police Department used the gathering to host a hiring fair and connect residents with public-service career opportunities.
Businesses and organizations also helped make it possible to keep registration free.
Organizers reported $5,276 in funding for the inaugural event, all of which was allocated directly to race-day expenses. The funding covered $1,800 for timing and event setup, $2,032 for T-shirts, $944 for medals and $500 for creative materials and banners.
Financial supporters included Raising Cane’s, Jefferson Health, Atlantic City Electric, Northwestern Mutual, RunSignUp and founder Jamil Adams with Capital A Financial.
Other organizations contributed in-kind support. South Jersey Running Co. provided $600 in gift cards, while Tru Fru provided more than 1,000 snacks for the event.
Perhaps just as notable as the turnout was how quickly the inaugural event came together.
The Winslow Township 5K went from an idea to race day in just three months, led by Adams. Now organizers plan to build on that foundation rather than have the 5K remain a one-time event.
The Winslow Township 5K will return as an annual event, with the next race planned for 2027.
Organizers expect to begin outreach earlier for the second event, providing more time to collaborate with businesses, organizations and community partners and expand the impact of their initiatives throughout Winslow Township and the surrounding area.
In the meantime, organizers are encouraging participating organizations to remain connected with Adams and continue using the audience and community connections established through the 5K for other initiatives leading up to next year’s race.
The inaugural event also gives organizers a starting point for measuring the race’s longer-term impact. Plans outlined in the event’s impact report include following up with participants to learn whether the experience encouraged residents to move more, build confidence or maintain walking and running habits after race day.
For a community event developed in only three months, its first year established a significant foundation: hundreds of participants, a sold-out registration field, partnerships with local organizations and businesses, and a commitment to do it again.
Now the focus turns toward 2027 and building on what started with Winslow Township’s first 5K.
