5K races near Ephrata

The Tröegs Hop Dash 5K is a 5K run/walk held in Hershey, Pennsylvania, concluding at Tröegs Independent Brewing. Organized by the Harrisburg Area YMCA in partnership with Tröegs, the race has been a fixture in the Harrisburg/Hershey area since 2016. Donegal Insurance Group presents the event. A virtual 5K option is available for those who wish to receive the race shirt and participate in the format without running the Hershey course. The in-person route guides participants through Hershey's hills, finishing at the brewery on Hersheypark Drive. Following the race, the event offers beers, snacks, live music, games, and time at the brewery, moving beyond a simple medal-and-departure experience. Race participants receive exclusive Tröegs merchandise, reinforcing the event's connection to the brewery beyond its use as a location.

The Rugby Run 5k takes place in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, offering 5 km and 1.6 km distances. The start is at Pickering Valley Elementary School, featuring a local school start area and two course options for those preferring a 5K or a shorter run. This marks the fourth Rugby Run 5k. The shorter distance is suitable for families, younger runners, and individuals not seeking a full 5K, while the 5 km race provides the standard distance for regular runners.

The Dash & Dine 5K is a four-race spring series held at Boulder Reservoir. Each race takes place on a Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm. This family-friendly 5K is designed as preparation for the BOLDERBoulder race, and participants have the option to register for a single race or the entire series. The course begins and ends at the reservoir, following an out-and-back path along the roads and dams on the south side. Following each race, registered participants receive dinner from local food vendors, along with awards for overall and age-group winners and prize drawings. Boulder Running Events, LLC organizes the series, which also functions as an official qualifier for the BOLDERBoulder race.

The Haunted 5K & 10K begins at 221 N 11th St in Akron, Pennsylvania. Both distances start at 8:00 AM in October. This US Road Running event offers 5K and 10K options on a paved course, suitable for runners and walkers, with a two-hour time limit. The route is a short out-and-back design. 5K participants complete it twice, while 10K participants complete it four times. Packet pickup is available 30 minutes before the start and concludes 10 minutes prior. Registration must be completed through RunSignup, as no race-day signups are permitted. The Haunted theme aligns with US Road Running's typical logoed, themed races that include finisher medals and a best-costume contest for those embracing the Halloween spirit.

The Red Devil 5K is a short road race held in Elkmont, Alabama, using the town as its course. Runners complete a 5K route that passes rolling hills and Elkmont’s historic downtown. The race embraces its Red Devil mascot, with onlookers displaying Red Devil spirit along the route. Following the finish, runners and their guests remain for a post-race gathering.

Fitzy's Halloween 5K Run & 1.5 Mile Walk is a Halloween-themed community race held at 505 Sycamore Road in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The event features a 5K run for individuals and teams, a 1.5 mile walk, a virtual 5K option, and a free Kids Trick or Treat Dash for children 10 and under. It is supported by Lauren's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with proceeds directed to local families via charitable funds. This race has been held for over twenty years, establishing it as a local tradition. The course covers approximately 5 kilometers for runners and 2.4 kilometers for walkers, with a short dash for children who receive Halloween goodie bags. The event attracts runners, walkers, families, teams, virtual participants, and children, many drawn by the candy and costumes as much as the race itself. Costume contests for adults and children enhance the Halloween theme. Food trucks, entertainment, supervised childcare for ages 2 and up, and a health services fair contribute to its role as a community gathering. The event also provides scholarships for Berks students who write about overcoming challenges.

The Oley Valley Country Classic is a fall road race in Oley, Pennsylvania, offering a 10-mile race and a 6K option through the local farm country. Managed by the Pagoda Pacers, a large Pennsylvania running club, the event begins and ends at Oley Valley High School. It takes place during peak leaf-changing season. The 10-mile distance also serves as the RRCA Eastern Regional Championship, with additional awards for that race. The course is entirely on roads, with some hills, and is described by organizers as mostly flat. This makes it a good tune-up for runners training for a half marathon or full marathon. The 10-mile race is also known as the Barry Goodhart Memorial 10 Miler. Participants will find two aid stations on the 10-mile course and one on the 6K, with post-race food and hydration provided. Proceeds benefit the Oley Valley High School Athletic Booster, the Oley Valley Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Pagoda Pacer student scholarship fund.

The Great Turkey Chase 5K is a Thanksgiving morning run with versions in Golden, Colorado, and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. In Golden, runners begin at Parfet Park for a 3-mile race limited to 1,000 participants, with registration available online until the field is full. In Elizabethtown, the race starts at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church and attracts hundreds of participants. The Golden event offers packet pickup at Runners Roost Golden before race day, with race morning pickup at Parfet Park. Early registrants in Golden receive a Boco Golden-themed neck gaiter, providing a local memento. The Elizabethtown race, managed by Applied Race Management, supports ECHOS and features a Kids Fun Run, making the day suitable for families and runners alike.

The Give Thanks For Lebanon 5K & 10K is a November race in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, offering both 5K and 10K distances. Runners select their preferred distance and run primarily on a flat gravel Rails-to-Trails path, with minimal time spent on roads. The course's limited road running suits participants who favor consistent trail surfaces and minimal elevation changes. A previous participant noted a field with many experienced competitive runners. The race holds strong review scores: 4.5 out of 5 overall, 4.5 for the course, and 5.0 for organization.

The Gobbler 5K, 10K, & 13.1M is a morning running race held at 2880 Table Rock Road in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, offering 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances. The race begins at 8:30 AM. Pre-registration on RunSignup is required, as there will be no on-site sign-ups. Packet pickup begins 30 minutes before the start and concludes 10 minutes prior. Participants should proceed to Pavilion 4, located on the left side of the parking lot upon entering the park. The courses feature repeated out-and-back segments instead of a single, continuous loop. The 5K course completes the out-and-back twice, the 10K course completes it four times, and the half marathon course uses a longer out-and-back segment six times. All races have a 3 hour 30 minute time limit. Finishers receive medals, and awards are presented. Series points contribute to US Road Running standings. A best-costume award adds a playful fall-race element beyond the standard distance options.

The Chester County Turkey Trot begins Thanksgiving morning at Downingtown West High School. It features a 5K race divided into two waves, a 2K walk with no timing, and a Kids’ Fun Run. The Gold Wave is designated for participants aiming to finish in under 25 minutes, and the Blue Wave is for those anticipating a time over 25 minutes. This wave system allows faster runners to start earlier and provides more space for other participants. The event marks its 25th year and attracts local families, visiting relatives, runners, walkers, and children before their holiday meal. Fundraising is a key component: since 2012, the race has supported childhood cancer research, currently through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Previously, it benefited the Cure4Cam Childhood Cancer Foundation.