The Spring Lake Five Mile Run

The Spring Lake Five Mile Run is a classic Jersey Shore road race held in Spring Lake, New Jersey, United States. First run in 1977 with about 500 runners, the event has grown into one of the largest and most beloved five-mile races in the country, known for its small-town coastal atmosphere, polished organization, and beginning-of-summer tradition. The race is organized by the Spring Lake Five Race Committee and Race Director Ed Hale, under the guidance of Friends of the Spring Lake Five Inc., a not-for-profit organization. After expenses, proceeds are donated to charitable organizations and local town projects.

The main five-mile race starts at Ocean Avenue and Sussex Avenue and runs through Spring Lake, a picturesque Monmouth County beach town known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, lakes, and oceanfront setting.