Lace up for an unforgettable evening at the 38th Annual Brookdale Shop Rite Tom Fleming Sunset Classic on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in picturesque Bloomfield, NJ. This cherished community event, a calendar favorite in Northern New Jersey road racing since the early 1980s, offers a unique twilight running experience for all ages and abilities. Choose your challenge from the competitive 5-mile road race, the timed Rick Petersen Mile, or let the younger athletes shine in the Kids Infield Sprints.
The 5-mile course promises a challenging yet rewarding journey, winding through the scenic streets of Bloomfield and Glen Ridge, culminating in an exhilarating downhill finish on the track at Foley Field—a consistent crowd-pleaser. The Rick Petersen Mile, a USATF NJ certified course, also boasts a track finish at Foley Field. Historically, typical race day conditions feature highs around 84F and lows around 66F, with a modest 17% chance of precipitation, creating a pleasant atmosphere for this sunset run.
Beyond the race itself, participants and their supporters can enjoy a vibrant post-race celebration complete with hot dogs, refreshing beverages, ice cream, and even beer, embodying the festive spirit that traditionally kicks off the 4th of July holiday. Named in honor of American distance running legend and co-founder Tom Fleming, a two-time New York City Marathon winner, this USATF-NJ COED Team Championship not only provides a fantastic running experience but also supports a great cause, benefiting the Bloomfield Educational Foundation and the Vocational Educational Special Training (V.E.S.T) program. Race day registration and packet pick-up will be held at Bloomfield's Foley Field, with the 5-mile race starting at 7:30 PM EDT and the Rick Petersen Mile at 7:00 PM EDT.
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