Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k logo
Running

Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k

Date
August 22, 2026
Distance
5k
Register →

From the Organizer

Join us for this new 5k to honor the memory of Ed Espenshade. Ed was an influential member of the South Jersey racing scene for many years. 

Swag/Awards

  • T Shirt
  • Finisher medals 
  • Overall and Age Group awards 

While growing up in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Ed Espenshade played catch with his dad, attended Phillies and Sixers games, and dreamed of being an athlete. But soon after he acquired a paper route as a twelfth birthday present, Ed was hit by a car while attempting to cross a road. After blood was drawn during an examination in the emergency room, Ed received shocking news: he had diabetes.

As his path took an unexpected turn, Ed describes how he became more determined than ever to pursue his athletic goals. After an unsuccessful attempt at soccer, Ed eventually found his home as a cross country runner in high school and college. It seemed that Ed was defying all odds as he continued to run hundreds of road races that included four marathons. But everything changed in 2003 when Ed found himself face down on the street during a training run and soon received another stunning diagnosis: he had a rare nonmalignant brain tumor. As he details his continuing journey with two serious health conditions, Ed shines a light on the importance of keeping hope, faith, and perseverance alive in the face of lifes greatest challenges.

Events

5k8:30 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

84°

Typical Low

65°

Chance of Rain

30%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Pennsauken 1n, 2 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 6:19 AMSunset 7:49 PMDaylight 13h 29m

Host City

About Merchantville, NJ

Population

3,815

as of 2023

Elevation

83 ft

Nearest Airport

PHL

Philadelphia International Airport · 12 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

75

Days to train

Race
Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k
Date
August 22, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k?
Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k is a running race held in Merchantville, New Jersey on August 22, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k?
Saturday, August 22, 2026 in Merchantville, New Jersey at 5300 N Park Dr, Merchantville, NJ. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Ed Espenshade Memorial 5k

Aug 22, 2026

Register →