Run for Oakland.
Give back with heart.
The FLOW Heart of Gold 5K is a community charity race in Oakland, New Jersey. Runners and walkers welcome — proceeds support Oakland's fire department, first aid squad, police department, and Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge.
- Fire Department
- First Aid Squad
- Police Department
- RBARI
- 5th Annual
- Local charity race
- Oakland, NJ
- Community-led event
- 4 Local Causes
- Fire · EMS · Police · RBARI
- June 20th, 2027
- Race day 2027
A 5K with a clear local purpose.
Heart of Gold Foundation brings the Oakland community together each summer for a charity 5K. Runners, walkers, families, first responders, and volunteers share the same start line, and net proceeds are distributed among four Oakland-based causes.
Whether you race, walk, sponsor, or cheer, the event is a way for neighbors to show up for the people who show up for Oakland year-round.
The Heart of Gold 5K
An accessible 5K in Oakland's industrial park — flat course, runners toward the front, walkers toward the back. All fitness levels welcome.
- Date
- June 20th, 2027 · Father's Day
- Location
- Oakland Industrial Park · Bauer Avenue
- Start
- 16 Van Vooren Drive, Oakland, NJ
- Packet pickup
- Same-day, 8:30 AM
- Race start
- 9:30 AM
- Timing
- Timing Services via Tristate Timing
- Awards
- Top-10 medals per gender · Trophy for 1st overall per gender
Four Oakland organizations.
After race-related expenses, net proceeds are divided among these four local causes.
Oakland Volunteer Fire Department
Volunteer firefighters protecting Oakland homes and families.
Oakland First Aid Squad
Volunteer EMTs providing emergency medical response across town.
Oakland Police Department
Local officers keeping Oakland's neighborhoods safe every day.
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI)
A no-kill shelter giving local animals a second chance.
Started by two Oakland students.
Heart of Gold Foundation began when Nico Tucci and Krishan Patel, classmates at Indian Hills High School, decided to organize a local charity 5K. Nico ran competitive cross country and track; Krishan volunteered as an EMT in Oakland.
The first race drew roughly twenty participants. Four races later, it has grown into an annual Oakland tradition — and 2027 marks its fifth year.
Read the full storyMoments from race day.
Partner with a race the town shows up for.
Local businesses and community partners keep the race free of major overhead — so more of every dollar reaches Oakland's first responders and RBARI.
