Runners To Your Mark: Jonas Cattell 10-Miler And Fort Mercer 5-K Runs Are Set

By: Follow South Jersey Staff

NATIONAL PARK, N.J. — The 52nd running of the 10-mile Jonas Cattell Run will take place on Sunday, October 24.

The run commemorates Jonas Cattell’s ten mile run from Haddonfield to National Park on October 22, 1777, to warn the soldiers of Fort Mercer at Red Bank that over 1200 Hessian soldiers were approaching to take over the fort during the American Revolution. 

The run is a point-to-point course that follows the route as run by Jonas Cattell.  The Fort Mercer 5K will also take place with a course that will be an out and back course starting and finishing at Red Bank Battlefield.  

“The Jonas Cattell Run and Eighteenth-Century Field Day are fantastic events that celebrate our history,” Commissioner Director Robert M. Damminger said. “We invite our residents to come out and enjoy the battle reenactments, the hearth cooking and more.” 

Following the races, Gloucester County will hold the annual 18th Century Field Day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

There will be Revolutionary War living history activities that take place throughout the day. Other events during 18th Century Field Day include history exhibits, crafts, food vendors, battle reenactments, and tours of both the Whitall House and Fort Mercer on park grounds.

“The Eighteenth-Century Field Day celebration is the largest event the county holds at Red Bank Battlefield,” Commissioner Jim Lavender, Liaison to the Department of Parks and Recreation said.  “The volunteers and staff put their heart into the event, making it fun and educational event you won’t want to miss.” 

Registration for the 10-mile is open and is $30.  The Fort Mercer 5K registration fee is $20 with a price increase after October 15.

For race and registration information, click here:  https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Haddonfield/JonasCattellMemorialRun 

All 18th Century events and parking are free of charge. Red Bank Battlefield is located at 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ.

For more information please visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov.


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