The numbers of the 38th Lincoln Tunnel 5K Challenge are impressive:
- Over 2300 participants
- 5K distance (3.1 miles)
- Almost $180,000 raised
As remarkable as the numbers are, they cannot describe the unique nature of the event. This 5K (3.1 miles) takes place mostly underwater and spans two states, and it is USATF certified! The toll booths in Weehawken, NJ mark both the start and finish of the race. There is a cone turnaround once participants reach the NYC side of the tunnel.
After a vigorous group warm-up, the more than 2300 participants started in two separate waves, one for runners finishing in under 30 minutes, and one for everybody else. The fastest runners completed the trip through the Tunnel to Manhattan and back to Weehawken in less time than it takes on a weekday by car: 17:01 and 19:30 minutes for the fastest man and woman, respectively. Another impressive fact: not a single competitor had to use their E-ZPass to enter the tunnel!
All proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Jersey and over 20,000 athletes and Unified partners. A huge thank you to the sponsors, without whom this event would be impossible to run!
