Always Ready 5K

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation will be hosting the fourth annual Always Ready 5K and Always Ready K9 on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

🏅 5K RUN

• Scenic Route: This landmark event flows through the scenic city of Cape May and will offer the unique opportunity to run through the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May - The Birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Timing: Chip timed with instant results thanks to South Jersey Race Timing.
• Awards: Awards to the top 3 M/f Overall and Age Groups: 14 & under, 15-19, and 10 year AG up to 60+.
• Race Shirts: Guaranteed to those registered by September 30 (limited supply after) and all finishers receive a commemorative Always Ready Challenge Coin.

🐕 ALWAYS READY K9 RACE

• Open to Dogs: This 3K run/walk option is open to four-legged friends accompanied by 2 legged guides.
• Leash Policy: Dogs must be leashed on no longer than a 6ft lead and able to maintain a calm disposition for the entirety of the event.
• Start Time: The K9 race will start 5 minutes after the 5K.
• Medals and Swag: Each finisher will receive a Blue Line K9 Champion Medal and an Always Ready K9 Bandana.

🏠 VIRTUAL RACES

• Race Completion: Virtual 5K and K9 runners will have the entire month of October to complete their best time.
• Swag: Participants will receive the same swag as the corresponding live event.
• Packet Mailing: Virtual packets will not be mailed out until after the in-person race on 10/12.

🏞️ COURSES

• Starting and Finishing Point: The 5K will start and finish at Harborview Park and will bring runners by Fishermans Memorial.
• Course Tour: A nearly 1.5 mile tour of the base will promise plenty of monumental views running along the harbor.
• K9 Route: K9 runners will not enter the US Training Center Cape May, but will instead turnaround near the gate and return back to Harborview Park.
• Course Changes: Course details are subject to change.

🎖️ TAPS HONOR BIBS

• Honor a Hero: We invite you to honor one of America's Fallen Heroes by wearing a TAPS honor bib during your run.
• Bib Pickup: You can pick up a TAPS honor bib on race day and learn more about the Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors.
• Custom Bibs: If you have a specific fallen hero you’d like to run in honor of, please get in touch with aimee.selix@taps.org to have a bib made for you.
• Request Deadline: All requests must be submitted by September 30th.

🏆 ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

• Foundation Mission: Founded in 2015, the mission of the Cape May County Coast Guard Community Foundation is to nurture the relationship between Coast Guard members and their families and the people of Cape May County.
• Community Engagement: We host and promote family-friendly activities throughout the year to celebrate the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.
• Partnerships: The foundation partners with Cape May County, its 16 municipalities and other community partners throughout the year.
• Recognized Community: Cape May County is designated as a “Coast Guard Community”, reflecting special support for the Coast Guard.

For more information, please visit the race page: Always Ready 5K.