This hidden gem is a great race that I just discovered this year, but I guarantee you it'll be making an appearance in my schedule every summer!
Held on the boardwalk in Belmar, NJ, it's the perfect fast, flat 5K with beautiful scenery and a fun atmosphere. Plus: you get a medal at the end! How many other 5K's give you a medal? Not many!
Everything about this race is great: sign ups are easy, the swag is awesome, parking is relatively easy (because it's the Jersey Shore in August, you're going to run into traffic and/or parking, so get there EARLY), etc - the only downside is the summer heat, which we all know we can't control ;)
The course starts on the road right next to the beach and winds you into and around the little quiet streets of Belmar for a mile or so, before spitting you back onto the road next to the boardwalk for a mile or so to finish. You're never on the boardwalk, and when you're out on the main road the sun is GLARING, but it's a very fast race so it's no big deal. I was able to finish in a surprisingly good time (for me) and will definitely keep an eye out for next year's sign ups. Overall: highly recommended!