The 56th annual Jonas Cattell Run and the 6th annual Fort Mercer 5K invite runners to celebrate history and endurance at two upcoming races in New Jersey. The Jonas Cattell Run retraces the 10-mile route Jonas Cattell ran on October 22, 1777. Cattell made this trek to warn Fort Mercer of an impending British attack. This scenic point-to-point race begins at the intersection of Kings Highway and Mechanic Street in Haddonfield, Nj. The race will conclude at Red Bank Battlefield in National Park, NJ. The Fort Mercer 5K offers a shorter, out-and-back course that starts and finishes at Red Bank Battlefield. This gives participants an option of a less intense way to participate.
Race day logistics are designed with runners in mind. Buses leave Red Bank Battlefield at 7:00 a.m. to shuttle 10-mile participants to the starting line in Haddonfield. A bag drop is available for convenience. Organizers will present awards to top male and female finishers in all divisions, with additional recognition in special categories.
Participants can pre-register by Wednesday, October 15, to qualify for early packet pick-up and guarantee a race t-shirt if among the first 100 registrants. Packet pick-up takes place at the James G. Atkinson Park Office on Thursday, October 16, and Friday, October 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Race day registration and packet pick-up open at 7:00 a.m. at each race’s start. Entry fees are $30.00 for the 10-miler and $20.00 for the 5K, payable to Gloucester County Parks and Recreation. Runners must maintain a pace of 15 minutes per mile for the 10-miler, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Sponsored by the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners, both races highlight community pride and Revolutionary War heritage.