7th Annual Survivor Day 5k
Saturday, November 21, 2026
9:30 AM EST
Island Heights, New Jersey
$43.40 · 1 race
5km
Event summary
Join us for the uplifting 7th Annual Survivor Day 5K on Saturday, November 21, 2026, in beautiful Island Heights, Ocean, New Jersey. This special event will take place at the Wanamaker Municipal Complex, bringing together individuals and families in a powerful display of support and remembrance. Participants can choose to run or walk the 5K distance, honoring the memory of Christian Schenk and paying tribute to the beloved James "Jimmy" Fera, whose life was a testament to love and strength.
Survivor Day, established by the U.S. Congress, serves as a day of healing for those affected by suicide, especially poignant as we approach the holiday season. This year, we encourage you to register by November 1st to guarantee your preferred T-shirt size as we come together in unity and purpose. Let’s honor the memories of those we’ve lost while fostering a supportive community that uplifts one another. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference while celebrating life and love!
Survivor Day, established by the U.S. Congress, serves as a day of healing for those affected by suicide, especially poignant as we approach the holiday season. This year, we encourage you to register by November 1st to guarantee your preferred T-shirt size as we come together in unity and purpose. Let’s honor the memories of those we’ve lost while fostering a supportive community that uplifts one another. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference while celebrating life and love!
Races
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Survivor Day 5k
Incl. $3.40 Fee & 5K Race T-Shirt
The 7th Annual Survivor Day 5K will take place on November 21st, 2026 in person at 5 Wanamaker Municipal Complex , Island Heights, NJ 08732 and virtually at a 5K location of your choice.
Register9:30 AM EST
$43.40
Organiser's description
The 7th Annual SURVIVOR DAY 5K will take place on November 21, 2026 in person at 5 Wanamaker Municipal Complex, Island Heights, NJ 08732. Register by November 1st to ensure you get to pick your T-shirt size! After November 1st, we cannot guarantee your size.
Survivor Day was designated by the U.S. Congress as a day when those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was designated the Saturday before Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors.
For the 7th year in a row we are asking all of our family and friends to come together in unity to run or walk a 5K in memory of Christian Schenk and in support of all those mourning his loss the week before his birthday.
This year, we will also be honoring James Jimmy Fera. Jimmy was a man who wore many hats in his lifetime. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a valued Boiler Maker at Local 154, served in the Army Reserves, lived in San Diego for a little while, and then finally settled in Toms River, New Jersey with his beautiful wife for almost 25 years. Jimmy became Mr. Mom, his favorite title, and was a stay-at-home / part-time working dad to his two kids. Jimmy worked hard, but loved harder. He was the ultimate husband, brother, dad, uncle, cousin and friend to those in his life. He loved lifting weights, telling dad jokes, celebrating holidays with family, and he gave the best hugs. Jimmy was a huge teddy bear. He was fierce and he was strong with an unforgettable spirit. In 2018, at age 68, after being diagnosed with tinnitus post surgery, he ultimately lost his life to mental illness and suicide. His infectious smile, laughter, strength, and love live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew him.
The anniversary of these deaths are stark reminders of the lasting effects that loss and grief have on surviving families as well as the importance of bringing communities together to support one another.
Survivor Day was designated by the U.S. Congress as a day when those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was designated the Saturday before Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors.
For the 7th year in a row we are asking all of our family and friends to come together in unity to run or walk a 5K in memory of Christian Schenk and in support of all those mourning his loss the week before his birthday.
This year, we will also be honoring James Jimmy Fera. Jimmy was a man who wore many hats in his lifetime. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a valued Boiler Maker at Local 154, served in the Army Reserves, lived in San Diego for a little while, and then finally settled in Toms River, New Jersey with his beautiful wife for almost 25 years. Jimmy became Mr. Mom, his favorite title, and was a stay-at-home / part-time working dad to his two kids. Jimmy worked hard, but loved harder. He was the ultimate husband, brother, dad, uncle, cousin and friend to those in his life. He loved lifting weights, telling dad jokes, celebrating holidays with family, and he gave the best hugs. Jimmy was a huge teddy bear. He was fierce and he was strong with an unforgettable spirit. In 2018, at age 68, after being diagnosed with tinnitus post surgery, he ultimately lost his life to mental illness and suicide. His infectious smile, laughter, strength, and love live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew him.
The anniversary of these deaths are stark reminders of the lasting effects that loss and grief have on surviving families as well as the importance of bringing communities together to support one another.
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Location
5 Wanamaker Municipal Complex, Island Heights, 08732, NJ, United States
7th Annual Survivor Day 5k
Event data
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