Dash and Deciduous 5K - Upper Freehold, New Jersey - Running

The Dash and Deciduous 5K is a Running race in Upper Freehold, New Jersey consisting of a 5K Trail Run.

The Uptown Gentlefriends present the Dash and Deciduous 5k trail run at Clayton Park. This is a FREE timed 5k group run. Despite the fact that this is a FREE 5k, registration is required due to the field size being limited to 40 runners. Once the field limit is reached additional runners will go on a waiting list in the order they registered.

Handmade awards will be given to the top male and female. The awards will be handmade using objects found around the farmlands at Clayton Park. Easter eggs will be hidden throughout the course for runners to find which can be returned for prizes.

Do not expect to get a 5k PR at this course. This is a fun timed group run. I would consider the course to be an entry level course for a trail runner. Beginners may find the course challenging with over 320ft of combined elevation climb with some sections loaded with ankle twisting roots that appear to come out of nowhere. Veteran trail runners will find the course to be fast and fun with a few short very runnable sections that will allow you to gain a lot of ground on the leader (or keep the lead). The course will be well-marked and no one well get lost. There will be a self-serve water station at mile 1.1 and again at mile 2.6. This may be an unmanned water station so runners will need to stop to get their own water.

The course is very spectator friendly. Cheer on your friends and family at the start and then again at mile .75 before the runners enter the woods. You'll have the chance to cheer them on again by taking a short walk to the 2.2 mile mark (see course map) just after they complete a difficult uphill section and need your cheers to lift their spirits for the rest of the run. Be sure to congratulate them at the finish line!