The Big Forest Half Marathon, 10K, 5K 2025

🌲 Race Overview

In the heart of the first ever forest developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and on the shores of Lake Absegami is a place that seems as distant from our urban lives as a place on the other side of this wonderful country, Bass River State Forest. Join us for the inaugural BIG FOREST HALF MARATHON, 10K, 5K run festival in New Gretna, NJ...only an hour from Philadelphia, half hour from Atlantic City, and hour and a half from NYC. So close, yet you'll feel so far. Camp the night before and make it a weekend to remember.

• Course Support: The course is made for uber fan support, just long enough to keep you interested and so that anyone going long gets support from family and friends each time they make a pass at the start and finish line and turn around point of the race.
• Terrain: Paved roads, hard packed paths, and wooden boardwalk take you through a cathedral-like forest lined with pine and white cedar.
• Nature Sounds: The woods echo with the song of Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroat, and the trills of Pine Warblers and Chipping Sparrows.
• Race Features: The race is fully supported with 3 expertly managed support stations with Gatorade, water, and gels, along with live timing and live tracking.

🕒 Event Details and Schedule

Race Day

Show up ready to run approximately 30 minutes prior to the start. If you do not have your bib follow directions from staff.

Start Times

• 8:30 AM: HALF MARATHON
• 9:30 AM: 10K
• 9:31 AM: 5K

Location:

Start location is in front of Lake Absegami's day use area, approximately .3 miles from the entrance. MAP LINK

🎥 Course Support

• Water Stations: Traditional water and Gatorade support stations with paper cups at 3 locations (approximately every mile).
• Power Gels: Power gels handed out to keep you going.
• Cleanliness: Trash receptacles and volunteers on the course for all trash.

🏅 Amenities

• Finisher Medals: Technical T-shirt, die cast finisher medal, plaque awards for top 3 overall and in age groups of 3.
• Timing: Every loop is timed in real time! Your family and friends can track you per loop on the live results page.
• Digital Tracking: Go to RaceMap and find this race. Family and friends can watch your progress live and afterward.
• Awards: Overall Top three awards to male and female winners, and age group awards for age groups of 10 years starting at 13 & under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, through 60 & Better.

🎉 Get Ready!

So, don't wait, this race will sell out. Join us now and make it happen at the BIG FOREST HALF MARATHON, 10K, 5K run festival.

For more details, visit the official race page: Race Registration