The 2026 Red Bank Classic 5K will take place Saturday, June 20. More than 1,500 runners and thousands of spectators participate each year. COURTESY JOSH REED
By Sunayana Prabhu
RED BANK – Runners will take over downtown as the 2026 Red Bank Classic 5K returns, with hundreds of runners, walkers and spectators racing through the streets Saturday, June 20.
The race is sponsored by more than 80 local businesses. Proceeds will benefit the Red Bank Family YMCA and the Red Bank Department of Recreation and Human Services.
The 5K begins and ends on Broad Street, with the start/finish line positioned at 86 Broad St. The gun goes off at 8:30 a.m. for the 5K run. A Kids Fun Run follows at 10 a.m., with race distances varying by age group.
Registration includes a T-shirt, finisher’s medal and chip-timed results on the USA Track & Field (USATF)-certified course. The first 1,000 runners to register and pick up their bibs will receive a sponsor-filled swag bag. Post-race festivities will be held along Broadwalk and at several nearby venues, including Robinson Ale House, Street Kitchen + Bar, Red Rock Tap + Grill and the Dublin House.
Packet pickup is available from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the YMCA of the Jersey Shore, 166 Maple Ave. Race-day bib pickup runs from 7 to 8:15 a.m. at the corner of Broad and Monmouth streets. All bibs must be claimed by 8:15 a.m.
Walkers, stroller-pushers and leashed dogs are welcome, provided participants remain aware of passing runners.
The Kids Fun Run features distances by age group: approximately 200 yards for ages 9 to 12, 100 yards for ages 6 to 8, and 50 yards for ages 3 to 5. A YMCA warm-up is scheduled for 9:50 a.m. on Broad Street, south of the finish line.
In 2018, YMCA helped launch the first Red Bank Classic in partnership with the Red Bank business community and community volunteers. The YMCA provided logistical and volunteer support through the YMCA Togetherhood program. Y members, swim team participants, local residents, school and community groups have supported many volunteer tasks, including registration, gift bag stuffing, bib pickup, course marshals, cyclists and water stations.
“The Y is thrilled to collaborate in this amazing community event that has grown tenfold since its launch and welcomes all ages and abilities,” said Sally Darrow, executive director, Red Bank Family Y. “We are grateful for the partnership of the Red Bank business community, Red Bank Parks and Recreation, and Red Bank Classic 5K committee who keep the vital mission of this event, youth programs and water safety for Red Bank children, front and center each year. Thank you to all runners and supporters for strengthening Red Bank children.”
The Red Bank Classic 5K has grown into a beloved tradition in town, now welcoming more than 1,500 runners and thousands of spectators each year, according to the data on the Red Bank Classic 5K website. The race is one of “Monmouth County’s largest and most respected races, proudly raising over $60,000 to support youth programs for Red Bank children,” the website states.
Additional information for the upcoming race is available at redbankclassic.com.
The article originally appeared in the June 11 – 17, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
