Lace up, Morris County! The Thomas A. Haltigan Memorial Pro-Life 5K returns on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, and this year it is bigger than ever. The race is moving to Central Park of Morris County in Morris Plains as a professionally timed cross-country course.
Hosted by St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners of Rockaway, the 5K welcomes serious competitors, recreational runners, joggers, walkers and families. Organizers call it a first-of-its-kind event in Morris County, complete with awards for the overall male and overall female finishers.
Bishop Sweeney Returns to Lead the Prayers
The Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of Paterson, will once again lead the opening prayers and share remarks before the start. Bishop Sweeney has made the pro-life cause a central part of his pastoral ministry.
“This year, we’re thrilled to take our Pro-Life 5K to new heights with a professionally timed race that welcomes serious competitors alongside recreational runners, joggers, walkers and families,” said an official for St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners, the Rockaway-based chapter overseeing the event. The official also thanked St. Cecilia’s Catholic Parish in Rockaway and Assumption Parish in Morristown for the “generosity and unwavering support” that has kept the tradition going.
A Tradition Since 2013
The race launched in 2013 as a non-timed run through the streets of Morristown, with Assumption Parish opening its doors to participants. The move to Central Park keeps the same welcoming, family-friendly spirit that has drawn generations of runners from parishes and communities across the area.
The event honors the late Thomas A. Haltigan, an original member of St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners and a dedicated champion of the pro-life cause.
Every Step Helps Local Families
The 5K is a fundraiser for the St. John Paul II Respect Life Ministry at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Parish in Rockaway. Supported by five area parishes, the ministry provides food, clothing, shelter support and other essentials to women facing crisis pregnancies, mothers, babies and families in need.
“At its heart, this is a celebration of life, faith and family,” said John Aidan Byrne, who heads up the St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners chapter.
Organizers also thanked their team, volunteers and supporters, including the St. John Paul II Respect Life Ministry under the leadership of Fr. Matt (Mateusz) Darlak, pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway.
St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners is part of the nationwide LIFE Runners organization, which describes itself as the world’s largest pro-life running and walking team, with more than 25,000 members in 53 nations.
Race Day Details
- Event: Thomas A. Haltigan Memorial Pro-Life 5K
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Arrive by 2:30 p.m. to sign in. The race starts right after the Prayer Gathering.
- Location: Central Park of Morris County, Morris Plains. Park on North Cottage Street or in nearby lots.
- Adults: $35 in advance, $40 on race day
- Youth (18 and under): $32 in advance, $35 on race day
- Benefiting: St. John Paul II Respect Life Ministry, St. Cecilia’s Catholic Parish, Rockaway
Ready to run? Register online on RunSignup or scan the QR code below.
Questions? Contact John Aidan Byrne of St. Cecilia’s LIFE Runners at 973-529-4699 or jaidanbyrne@optonline.net.
More Fall Fun Nearby
Making a weekend of it? Check out our guide to Halloween events in Denville, and read about the Grove of 13 planted at Central Park of Morris County last month.
Enjoying our Denville coverage?
Add us as a preferred source and our stories show up higher in your Google results.
Add as a preferred source
