Never miss what is happening in Somerset County
Events, new openings and weekend plans from every corner of Somerset County. Straight to your inbox, free.
Lace up for the holidays. Somerset County has a full calendar of turkey trots and holiday races between November 21, 2026 and New Year’s Day 2027, from a fast 5K in Colonial Park to an inaugural half marathon at Duke Island Park. Here is every race, with start times, prices and where to sign up.
All details below come from each race’s official registration page. Prices go up as race day gets closer, so register early.
Vote now
Tom O’Reilly Turkey Trot 5K
- Town: Franklin Township (Somerset)
- Where: Colonial Park, 156 Mettlers Road, Somerset
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026. 1 mile fun run at 9 a.m., 5K at 10 a.m., rain, snow or shine
- Cost: Fun run $30 until November 19, $35 on race day; kids 10 and under run the fun run free
Raritan Valley Road Runners host this seventh annual race on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in memory of Tom “Dragon” O’Reilly, the club’s former president and longtime race director. The course is flat and fast, starts and finishes in Colonial Park, and has one water stop. Awards go to the top three overall and age group finishers at 10:45 a.m. under the Knob Hill Pavilion, with drinks and snacks after the race.
New this year is a 1 mile fun run for kids and families, and runners who sign up for both events get a discount on the fun run.
Girls on the Run 5K Somerville
- Town: Somerville
- Where: Start at East High Street and Grove Street; registration on the Somerset County Courthouse lawn
- When: Sunday, November 22, 2026. Packet pickup from 8:15 a.m., race at 9:30 a.m.
- Cost: $40 through November 18 at noon, $45 on race day
Girls on the Run of Central NJ is celebrating 25 years with its season-ending 5K through downtown Somerville. It is chip timed, with water stops on the course and at the finish. Post-race refreshments are for runners, and registrants can add a $25 anniversary donation to the program’s scholarship fund.
Somerville 5K Turkey Trot
- Town: Somerville
- Where: Engine Company, 170 East Main Street, Somerville
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving), 9 a.m.
- Cost: $45
The county seat’s Thanksgiving morning tradition. Strollers and well behaved dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. Early packet pickup is Sunday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Somerset County Regional Farmers Market in the Somerville Middle School parking lot. Registered runners also get a discount at Fleet Feet in Somerville from November 14 to 27.
The Duke’s Holiday Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
- Town: Bridgewater
- Where: Duke Island Park, 191 Old York Road, Bridgewater
- When: Sunday, December 6, 2026. Half marathon at 9:30 a.m., 10K at 9:40 a.m., 5K at 9:45 a.m.
- Cost: Half marathon $75, 10K $65, 5K $50; virtual options $50
This inaugural race fest kicks off winter running season on a 3.35 mile loop through the 343 acre park and along the Raritan River Greenway. The course is flat, fast and tree lined. Half marathoners run four loops and 10K runners run two, so spectators get plenty of chances to cheer. Registration closes the night of December 5.
Resolution Run and Walk 5K
- Town: Hillsborough
- Where: Hillsborough Municipal Building, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough
- When: Friday, January 1, 2027, 11 a.m.
- Cost: $40 in person, $50 virtual
Start 2027 on the right foot. Now in its 27th year, this USATF-NJ certified course welcomes competitive runners and casual walkers alike. Every entrant gets a custom long sleeve hoodie, with chip timing, 92 awards and a post-race celebration. Proceeds benefit Hillsborough’s Project Graduation and Rock Steady Boxing.
Race Day Tips
- Pick up your packet early when it is offered to skip the race morning line.
- Dress in layers. Late November and December mornings can be cold.
- For the two Somerville races, check downtown Somerville parking information before race morning.
More in Somerset County: plan the rest of the holiday with our Thanksgiving week guide, Christmas tree lightings and holiday markets around the county.
Photo: Ekem, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Get Somerset County in your inbox
The best events, new openings and things to do, once a week. Free.
