2024 WAY OVER YONDER SERIES SPRING KICKOFF

At Jungle Habitat we've created a special running loop that includes plenty of single track trails, some fire road and paved sections. There are some amazing descents (and of course some good climbs) in this USATF sanctioned course that we're sure will excite and delight our Trail Run Adventurers.

The 10K loop is actually 6.6 miles with 600+ feet elevation gain (see map at bottom of notes). We're calling it a 10K+ and Half Marathon+ (13.2 miles). The 10K+ will run one loop and the Half will do two loops. Half Marathon runners must finish first lap in under 1 hour 45 minutes to start 2nd lap (which unless you crawl through the trail system is very generous and significantly slower pace than last year's last place finisher). We're also going with a 5K+ loop (also below) that is 3.4 miles with 300 feet elevation gain. Unlike road running, trails have their own characteristics and to keep a good flow we kept coming up with a loop that was either going to be too short or too long, so we chose to maximize your run experience.

JUNGLE HABITAT HISTORY

Jungle Habitat is one of the most unique parks in New Jersey with a very cool history. It was a Warner Brothers Safari Park in the 1970's, but closed down in 1976.The land was left untouched for three decades until in 2007, New Jersey approved the building of a trail network by volunteers led by JORBA (Jersey Off Road Biking Association). Our Race Director and crew members were some of those volunteers that helped hand build these trails, so we feel like we've come full circle now holding events at this special place. As you run you'll see artifacts from the original park including the Otter Slide and Tiger Pens.

FINISHER & WINNER MEDALS

All Finishers get Wooden Finisher Plaques.

Half Marathon & 10K
Age Group Medals Top 3 Men & Women:
19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+

5k Top 3 Men & Women Overall Medals

Post Race Party for All Participants

WAY OVER YONDER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Series champions will be named for each 10 year Men's & Women's Age Group for Half Marathon & 10K divisions. Earn race you'll earn points towards being named a 2024 Series Champion. Top 15 Finishers in each Age Group will earn points. 

Minimum of three races to be eligible, and your top 4 finishes will count towards series points.
Full Details including planned dates for all six events are on the Way Over Yonder Trail Run Series page.

HYDRATION & NUTRITION

While there will be an Aid Station, we strongly recommend that you bring a hydration pack or bottle as well as nutrition items to run with while on course. Aid Stations are cupless in keeping with our mission to eliminate waste. The Half Marathon will loop through the Start/Finish area and runners can stage additional hydration and nutrition there. We will be providing GU Gels or Chews, Water and either GU or Skratch Hydration Drink.

ON COURSE GPS

We've invested in technology that notifies runners of turns and helps you find your way if you someohow go off course. All registered runners will receive full access to RideWithGPS during the event. Make sure to click the link in your confirmation email to access all the course maps. All you need to do is download the free APP to use it during the race. While we painstakingly mark the course with arrows and course tape, it is possible for something to be blown down or missed as your running full out. Use the App on your phone to check where you are on the course so you can easily make your way back on course in case you've missed a turn.

REQUIRED GEAR

Charged Cell Phone
- RideWIthGPS App pre-loaded (or your choice of App using GPX file)
- Hydration Pack or Water Bottle
- Minimum 200 calories (gels, chews, energy bar, etc)
- Whistle (Most packs include these)

WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR

Weather in the Spring at Jungle Habitat can vary greatly. So, the key is wearing layers so you're prepared for any condition. We will have short sleeve and long sleeve technical T shirts for sale at the event which works as a great base layer. (Pre-Order to ensure we have your size). Good idea to have running tights. Trail Running Shoes recommended. Make sure to pack a dry change of clothing and footwear so you'll be comfortable at the post race party.

PARKING

New Jersey State Parks has issued a $5 fee for every car. We encourage car pooling to the event and appreciate it if you have exact change to pay on arrival. Event parking will be through the main gate and all the way up the hill, which is also where packet pickup, pre-ordered merchandise pick up and start/finish. You can pre-pay during registration too.

VOLUNTEERS

It's no secret that community events like Jungle Escape Trail Run simply don't happen without the help of volunteers. All volunteers will get race swag & join us for the post race celebration. We could use some help with packet pickup, sweeping the course and breaking down all the race gear. Sign up by clicking the volunteer button or email us at info@rsgadventures.com.

JUNGLE ESCAPE RACE MAPS & ELEVATION

Event's current local time: 8:07 AM ET