Spring in Fairfield County means a host of 5K and other family friendly running events! You’ll see many annual favorites plus some new events with proceeds going to important causes. 5K running events have become so popular, it’s hard to capture them all. (* denotes special kids runs/activities).
Click on the dates for links to event registration/details.
The Greenwich Walk/Run for Hope, held at Tod’s Point, raises money for CancerCare’s free services for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis and includes a 5K and ½ mile Kids Fun Run.
The Lyme Walk & Run at Cove Island Park raises money for the Global Lyme Alliance. It includes a 5K Run/walk, a 1 Mile Walk and a Kids Fun Run.
The Westport Minute Man race at Compo Beach includes a 10K run (6.2 miles), 5K run/walk (3.1 miles) and 3 Kids Fun Run options: 100 yard dash (Ages 3-5), 1/2 mile (Ages 6-8), 1 mile (Ages 9-12).
The Norwalk River Valley Trail May Day 5K is held in conjunction with the Wilton Go Green Festival. The race uses a mostly gravel and dirt trail. Proceeds benefit the Norwalk River Valley Trail.
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure connects breast cancer survivors, patients, family members and friends and includes a 5K run or walk, and a 1K kids fun run event. It is held at Sherwood Island State Park.
Not quite a 5K, the Dogwood Dash is a 2 mile run where all proceeds are donated to charities for children and women in need. There is also a mini dash for 2- 7 year olds.
Run Like a Mother is a Ridgefield Mother’s Day race tradition. Cross the finish line and receive your finishers Mother’s Day rose. The event includes a 5K and a kids 1 mile fun run. Important note: Strollers are not allowed at this event.
The Lightfoot Runners Mother’s Day 10K run and 5K walk kicks off at Calf Pasture Beach and is stroller friendly. The Lightfoot Runners holds a summer series build up run events beginning in June.
The O’Neills 5K in memory of Annie Curtin includes a bagpipers procession to the start and an after race party at O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant.
The Stamford Boys and Girls Club Corporate 5K is an evening run through Harbor Point in Stamford.
The Weston Memorial Day Weekend 5K also includes special kids events for K–5 including a 100 meter sprint, a 400 meter run, and a 1 mile run, as well as an inflatable obstacle course.
The Get Smart for Wilton 5K, is sponsored by the Wilton Education Foundation, and welcomes runners of all levels including families, and parents with jogging strollers. Money goes toward Wilton public schools.
The Hope in Motion features a 5 or 10K option on National Cancer Survivor’s Day. Proceeds benefit the Bennett Cancer Center.
The Whole Foods Cook Your Buns event at Tod’s Point includes a 5K Run and Kids 1 Mile Run, followed by a barbecue.
The MMRF Team for Cures: Tri-State 5K walk/run unites multiple myeloma patients, family members, friends, and health professionals at this inspiring event which includes a 5K and a kids fun run (The 2015 Fun Run was a 25 yard dash for the youngest of participants).
June 18 Norwalk and throughout the summer
The Lightfoot Running Club has a great running series that my husband and I started doing long before we had a child. They are relaxed, reasonably priced, well organized, and strollers are definitely welcome! The race series starts with a 3 mile race and progresses up to a half marathon. The first race is June 20th at Norwalk High School.
Celebrate Father’s Day with a family run! The race welcomes strollers (there’s even a stroller division!) and offers 2 distance options a 4.4 mile or 2.2 mile short course. There’s special pricing for kids who run.
July 2 Westport and throughout the summer
The Westport Road Runners Series is a 10 race series that starts with a 2.3 mile run on July 2nd building up to 10 miles in September.
The 4 on the 4th is a popular July 4th New Canaan tradition. You’ll see plenty of strollers at this 4 mile race. Racers receive well deserved popsicles after the race. (Note, at the time of publication, the website had not yet been updated.)
Looking for longer distance events? Try great websites like Running in the USA . And, if you’d like to meet up with other moms for races, join Stamford Moms Run this Town.
Did I miss some? Let me know and I’ll update the list!