The Merriest Night: Run & Holiday Festival
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The Merriest Night: Run & Holiday Festival
The Merriest Night is a community holiday running event on 12/13/2026 at Timber Creek Park, 1701 Chews Landing Rd, Blackwood, NJ. The event program includes multiple short races and after-race festivities.
Distances offered:
- 5K
- 1 Mile (Youth, 15 & under)
- 1 Mile (Mile Walk)
- 200 m (Daisy's Reindeer Run, 8 & under)
The 5K and mile routes run through the park's "North Pole Woods" and finish beneath a decorated inflatable arch beside the rotunda pavilion. The 5K will be professionally timed with live results by On The Dime Timing. Every registered participant receives a complimentary cup of specialty hot chocolate and race swag; participants who register before December 1 will receive the 2026 event swag item at packet pickup.
Daisy's Reindeer Run is a short kids dash; each child in that race receives reindeer antlers and a finisher medal. The event includes a tree-lighting ceremony and awards presentation. Awards include trophies for top overall male and female finishers and medals for top three in each 5K age group (14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-34, 35-49, 50-64, 65+). The Youth Mile and Mile Walk also recognize top finishers.
A Festivities Pass admits non-participants to the after-race program, which features live music, craft vendors, ornament decorating, mini-games, and a community movie screening. Family members of registered participants do not need this pass. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
