Lincoln Tunnel Challenge to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey

The Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K is one of the most unique races in the country. This USATF certified 5K (3.1 miles) takes place mostly underwater and spans two states. The toll booths in Weehawken, NJ mark both the start and finish of the race. There is a cone turnaround once participants reach the NYC side of the tunnel. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Jersey and over 22,000 athletes and Unified partners.

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About 2025 Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K

Registration Info

REGISTRATION OPTIONS & DEADLINES

Race Day – May 4, 2025
EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE.

Standard Registration – $40
(Closes April 27 at 11:59 p.m.)
Includes a race t-shirt and chipped bib.

Registration with Mailing – $50
(Must register by April 18 at 11:59 p.m.)
Your race t-shirt and chipped bib will be mailed to you in advance, so you can skip check-in and go straight to the start line!

Late Registration – $50
(Available online from April 28 – May 2 at 11:59 p.m.)
Includes a race t-shirt and chipped bib.

On-Site Registration – $50
(Available May 4 starting at 6:00 a.m.)
Register in person on race day.

Race Categories

Runner – I will complete my 5K in UNDER 30 mins (Race start at 8:00 a.m.)

Runner – I will complete my 5K in OVER 30 mins (Race start at 8:45 a.m.)

Walker – WILL NOT receive a chipped bib for officially timed results (Race start 8:45 a.m.)

Runners can choose between two start times based on their running abilities. You must be able to complete the 5K in under 30 mins for the 8:00 race start. If you cannot finish the race in under 30 mins, a support vehicle will pick you up in the tunnel to bring you back to the finish area.

Event Schedule

6:00 a.m. – Registration/Check-In Opens
7:30 a.m. – Warm-Up and stretch for the first race
7:45 a.m. – Staging for the first race at the tunnel
8:00 a.m. – First race begins (Runner times Under 30 mins for 5K)
8:15 a.m. – Warm-Up and stretch for the second race
8:30 a.m. – Staging for the second race at the tunnel/Registration and Check-in closes
8:45 a.m. – Second race begins (All remaining runners and walkers)
10:30 a.m. – Awards and refreshments

Awards and Medals

Awards

Fred Muser Memorial Award – presented to first place overall male

John Skala Memorial Award – presented to first place overall female

Kevin Murphy Memorial Award – presented to the top 3 fundraising teams

Henry Barrios Memorial Award – presented to the top 3 individual fundraisers

Medals

Age group medals awarded to the top 3 finishers (Male and Female) in each age range:

9 & under 10 – 14 15 – 19 20 – 24 25 – 29 30 – 34 35 – 39 40 – 44 45 – 49 50 – 54 55 – 59 60 – 64 65 – 69 70 – 74 75 – 80 80 – 84 85 & above

T-shirt and Race Bib Pick-Up

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The Lincoln Tunnel Challenge may be a fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics New Jersey, but it's also a life changer for the athletes and their friends, families, and communities.

How Your Donations Make a Real Impact

For over 50 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to thousands o registered athletes and Unified partners. These programs and services are free of charge, thanks to fundraising events like the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge. Look below for a glimpse at how these funds are making a real impact!