The Cherry Blossom 10K Run: NJ’s Most Stunning Race (and Why You Need to Be There)
Published on April 5, 2025
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The BEST Spring Time Activity in New Jersey
Spring in Jersey? It’s peak main-character energy.
The sun’s out, the cherry blossoms are showing off, and Branch Brook Park is about to turn into the most Instagrammable spot in the state.
But for one day? It’s not just about the blooms…it’s about the race!
The Essex County Cherry Blossom 10K Run is back on April 6, 2025, and let’s be real, you need to be there. Even if you’re not a runner and consider yourself a seasoned speed-walker or just someone who loves soaking up good vibes and better views, this is THE race to kick off spring.
I mean…this is a gorgeous race 😭
More Than Just a Race (It’s a Whole Festival - Literally)
Even if you’re not lacing up for the 10K, there’s a whole week of cherry blossom magic happening in Branch Brook Park from April 5–13. The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most beautiful spring events in New Jersey featuring cultural performances, family-friendly activities, food trucks, bike races, and plenty of chances to wander beneath the blooms.
Branch Brook Park holds the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States (yup, even more than D.C.), and its history goes deep. Designed by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted (the same guy behind Central Park), the park was created to bring nature into the heart of the city. The cherry blossoms arrived in the 1920s thanks to Caroline Bamberger Fuld - yes, that Bamberger’s - as a gift to the people of Newark.
Today, the park explodes in color every April and transforms into a surreal pink-and-white wonderland. It doesn't matter if you’re here to run, picnic, take photos, or just stare at the trees and cry (no judgment), the Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-do.
Why This Race is Straight-Up Iconic
🏃♂️ Scenic AF - Running under thousands of cherry blossom trees? Yeah, it’s bucket-list worthy.
🏅 Fast & Fierce - It’s a USATF-certified course, so if you’re gunning for a PR, this is your shot.
🎉 The Vibes Are Unreal - The crowd? Loud. The energy? Electric. The post-race endorphins? 10/10.
💸 Race for a Cause - A portion of the proceeds supports Special Olympics New Jersey, so you’re running for something bigger.
Photo Source:@ Brian Rock
What You Need to Know
📍 Where: Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ
📆 When: Sunday, April 6, 2025 | Race starts at 10 AM
💰 Registration Fees: $45 Pre-Registration | $40 for USATF Members | $50 Race-Day
🎽 Race Perks: Get a finisher’s medal, a race shirt, and maybe even a winner’s hoodie if you place high.
🌸 Festival Dates: April 5 – April 13, 2025 (so even if you’re not running, you’ve got no excuse)
We’ll Be There. Will You?
NJ Radar is pulling up to capture the madness.
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Because trust us, you don’t want to be that person hearing about it after the fact.
You want to BE there.
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