St Mark's New Years Day 5K Brings Long Valley Community Together to Start 2026

There's no better way to kick off a new year than lacing up your running shoes and joining your community for a brisk 5K run. On January 1st, 2026, 67 dedicated runners did exactly that at the St Mark's New Years Day 5K in Long Valley, NJ, proving that resolutions don't have to wait—they can start at the starting line.

Despite the typical winter chill that greets New Jersey on New Year's Day, the atmosphere at this beloved community race was nothing short of electric. Runners young and old gathered in Long Valley, ready to shake off the previous night's celebrations and embrace 2026 with purpose, determination, and a healthy dose of endorphins.

A Perfect Start to 2026

The St Mark's New Years Day 5K has become a cherished tradition in Long Valley, NJ, and this year's event reinforced exactly why. As dawn broke over the Morris County community, participants arrived with smiles, enthusiasm, and that unmistakable New Year's Day energy—a unique blend of fresh-start optimism and "what did I get myself into?" humor.

The race kicked off promptly, with professional race timing by Tristate Timing ensuring accurate splits and official results for every participant. From competitive runners eyeing the podium to first-time 5K participants fulfilling their New Year's resolutions, the course welcomed everyone with open arms.

Race Day Conditions and Atmosphere

January 1st in New Jersey can be unpredictable, but Mother Nature cooperated beautifully for this year's event. Runners were greeted with crisp winter air—perfect conditions for fast times and comfortable running. The cold temperatures seemed to energize rather than discourage the field, with many participants commenting that the refreshing weather was exactly what they needed after New Year's Eve festivities.

The Long Valley community showed up in force, with spectators lining the course to cheer on runners. The sound of cowbells, enthusiastic cheers, and words of encouragement echoed through the streets, creating an atmosphere that embodied small-town New Jersey charm at its finest.

Outstanding Performances on the Course

The competitive field delivered impressive performances across the board, with several runners posting times that would make any race director proud.

Men's Race Highlights

Harry Malone claimed victory in commanding fashion, crossing the finish line with an outstanding time of 19:25.62. His sub-20-minute performance set the bar high and demonstrated the caliber of talent that the St Mark's New Years Day 5K attracts. Malone's pace of approximately 6:16 per mile showcased elite-level fitness and a perfect way to start his 2026 racing season.

Justin Novoshelski secured second place with a strong time of 20:51.5, breaking the 21-minute barrier and proving that the competition at this Long Valley race runs deep. His performance demonstrated excellent pacing and determination throughout the 3.1-mile course.

Rounding out the podium, Paul Chevalier finished third with a time of 22:45.93, completing an impressive top-three showing that highlighted the depth of talent in the field.

Strong Female Participation

One of the most encouraging statistics from this year's race was the gender breakdown: 38 women and 29 men crossed the finish line, with female participants making up more than 56% of the field. This strong female representation reflects a growing trend in grassroots racing and demonstrates the inclusive, welcoming nature of the St Mark's New Years Day 5K.

The women's field showed impressive depth and determination, with participants ranging from competitive runners to those simply looking to start their year on the right foot. Every finisher contributed to the vibrant atmosphere that makes community races like this one so special.

Community Impact and the Runner Experience

With 67 total finishers, the St Mark's New Years Day 5K perfectly captures what makes local road racing special. This isn't about thousands of runners creating a major city spectacle—it's about neighbors supporting neighbors, families creating traditions, and a community coming together around the simple, powerful act of putting one foot in front of the other.

Many participants commented on the personal touch that defines this race. From the friendly registration process to the well-marked course and enthusiastic volunteers, every detail reinforced the sense of community that Long Valley, NJ, is known for. Several runners mentioned that this 5K has become their non-negotiable New Year's Day tradition—a healthy, positive ritual to launch each year.

The race also serves as a fundraiser and community builder for St Mark's, strengthening the bonds between the organization and Long Valley residents while supporting important local initiatives.

Professional Race Timing Makes the Difference

Behind every successful race is reliable, accurate timing, and the St Mark's New Years Day 5K benefited from Tristate Timing's professional race timing services. Utilizing state-of-the-art timing equipment and experienced staff, Tristate Timing ensured that every participant received accurate results, official times, and prompt posting of data.

Professional race timing isn't just about recording finish times—it's about creating a legitimate racing experience that athletes can trust. From precise chip timing to backup systems and professional-grade equipment, Tristate Timing's services allow race directors to focus on event logistics while participants can focus on their performance, confident that their results will be accurate and official.

Full results from the race are available on RunSignup results, where participants can view their official times, compare performances, and even share their achievements on social media. This integration of professional timing with user-friendly results platforms creates a seamless experience for runners and race organizers alike.

Looking Ahead

The success of the 2026 St Mark's New Years Day 5K sets a high bar for the year ahead. Whether you're a competitive runner chasing podium finishes or someone looking to join a supportive community event, races like this one prove that road racing in Long Valley, NJ, is alive and thriving.

For race directors planning their own events, partnering with experienced timing companies like Tristate Timing ensures that your race runs smoothly and participants receive the professional experience they deserve. Quality race timing transforms a fun run into an official race, creating credibility and encouraging repeat participation.

Are you ready to join us at the next race? Whether you're planning your own event and need professional timing services, or you're a runner looking for your next challenge, the Tristate Timing team is here to support the running community. Visit our website to learn more about our race timing services and to find upcoming events in New Jersey and beyond.

Here's to 2026—may it be filled with personal bests, supportive communities, and many miles of happy running!