STERBENZ RUN FOR THE PICKLES 5K AND 2K PUP STRUT & STROLL
Sun October 4, 2026
Join us at Warren County Community College for the wildly fun and slightly briny Sterbenz Run for the Pickles 5K & 2K Pup Strut — a one-of-a-kind race event for runners, walkers, and pickle lovers alike! Whether you're chasing a PR or just here for the post-race pickle party, this event has something for everyone. The 5K course winds through scenic campus trails, while the 2K Pup Strut offers a relaxed, pet-friendly walk perfect for you and your four-legged friend. All participants receive a custom race shirt, a one of a kind finisher medal, and of course... a pickle-themed treat at the finish line no matter if you ran the 5k or walked the 2K Pup Strut!
Event Schedule
- Check-in: 8:30 AM
- 5K and Pup strut start at 10 a.m.
How it Works
T-shirts and one-of-a-kind finisher medals are guaranteed to the first 200 people who register. Light refreshments will be provided. Friendly, four-legged participants are welcome to join. Costumes are encouraged! Gather with us afterward for a quick celebration and official awards presentation to recognize the outstanding efforts of our participants and teams.
Course Certification
The Sterbenz Miles of Smiles 5k is an official, USATF-Certified (code NJ23046JLW) and World Athletics (USA-2023-209) certified course! Extending our course to utilize a portion of the Warren County Technical School and Warren County property nearby, one loop is exactly 2.5km. Runners will complete the loop twice and follow the alternative finish path. CLICK HERE to see the map of the course with details.
About the Event
The inaugural event, called the Sterbenz Run for Abilities, was created by Paul and James Sterbenz in 2020 as a response to the COVID pandemic and a desire to replace cancelled running events while raising needed funds for Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. Completing the 27 mile “marathon” from Alexandria Township to Lambertville, NJ on a sultry June morning, Paul and James crossed the finish line and successfully raised nearly $12,000! The Sterbenz Miles of Smiles was created in 2022 and expanded to include participants of all abilities- runners, walkers, rollers, strollers and even those with four legs!
