36th Annual Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge 5K
Sun, Jun 7, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT
- Featured distance
- 5K
- Type
- Run
Sign up and verify details on the organizer's official page.
Race feel
Celebrate America's 250th, enjoy a twilight run or walk in Pleasant Valley Park, and support local youth programs.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
- Festive
- For a Cause
Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Festive
For a CauseJoin the 36th Annual Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge 5K for an evening of community spirit and fitness. This beloved event celebrates America's 250th Anniversary, inviting participants to wear red, white, and blue. With a 5K race, a 1-Mile Health Walk, and a free Kid's Lollipop Loop, there's an activity for every age and fitness level. Best of all, your participation helps fund vital prevention and youth programs in the community, making every step count for a meaningful cause.
What to expect
- Experience a 5K on cross-country loops with woodchip, grass, and road surfaces.
- Enjoy a guided 1-Mile Health Walk or the free Kid's Lollipop Loop.
- Celebrate with live music, light refreshments, and awards for top finishers.
Standout details
- America's 250th Anniversary celebration
- Supports local youth programs
- Cross-country course (woodchip, grass, road)
- Free Kid's Lollipop Loop
Perks & features
- After-Party
After-PartyFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Course feel
A practical read on terrain, elevation, footing, and typical conditions.
Solid Challenge
Typical course trends
- Typically rolling
- Grass/XC footing
Built from public event details. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official event page before signing up.
From the organizer
Join us for the 36th Annual Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge 5K Race on Sunday, June 7th ! This community favorite features a 5K Race, 1-Mile Health Walk, and the Kid’s Lollipop Loop - something for all ages and fitness levels.
In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary , we’re inviting everyone to wear red, white , and blue as we run, walk, and cheer together!
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for an evening of fitness, fun, and community spirit. Best of all, all proceeds support the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance and Youth Services Commission , helping fund important prevention and youth programs in our community.
Run, walk, celebrate...and make every step count!
DATE: Sunday, June 7, 2026
LOCATION: The race takes place at beautiful Pleasant Valley Park located at 3405 Valley Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Race begins in Parking Lot 2. RACE FEES: 5K Race Early Bird Registration by 4/26 - $20 5K Race Pre-Registration until 6/6 - $30 5K Race Same Day Registration - $35 1 Mile Health Walk Registration - Pre-Registration and Same Day - $15 Kid's Lollipop Loop: FREE T-shirts and race bags guaranteed to pre-registered 5K Runners and Health Walkers while supplies last. Shirt sizes are not guaranteed to those registering after May 8th.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Packet pick up and Same Day Registration takes place 4:00 - 5:30 pm in Parking Lot 2 . Please park in Lots 3 or 4 on Race Day. T-shirts and race bags available to Same Day 5K Runners while supplies last.
1 MILE HEALTH WALK: Starts at 5:30 pm. Led by the Somerset Hills YMCA . Take an invigorating walk through Pleasant Valley Park and be back in time to cheer on the 5K runners!
5K RACE: Starts at 6:00 PM. Two cross-country loops around the park. Combination of woodchip, grass, and road. Aid stations at midpoint and finish. Chip timing, clocks on the course, race results, and optional text message results provided by Compuscore . Pre-Race Warm Up by Athletifreak .
KID'S LOLLIPOP LOOP: Starts at 6:45 PM. Sponsored by Athletifreak. FREE! For kids of all ages - a fun loop over a grassy field. Everyone's a winner!
AWARDS: Starts at 7:00 PM or at the conclusion of the 5K Race. All runners must be off the course for the Awards to take place. Co-sponsored by Athletifreak .
Prizes will be awarded to Top Overall Male and Female and top three runners in each age group: 14 and under, 15-19 and then in 10 year increments up to 80 and over. No duplicate awards.
Enjoy live music by Mama's Stew and light refreshments at the finish. Post-race stretch with the Somerset Hills YMCA .
Sponsorship information is available - please email KCartoccio@bernards.org for more information.
T-shirt sizes are subject to availability for Pre-Registration and Same Day Registration. Pre-Registrations will be accepted until 6/6/26 by dropping off at the Bernards Township Health Department, via USPS mail or on RunSignUp.com. No refunds or rain dates.