5K races near Fort Atkinson

National Sweetest Day marks the conclusion of the Wisconsin Trail Assail Series in Nashotah, Wisconsin, coinciding with the National Sweetest Day holiday. This event offers trail running and walking options: 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances, along with a 1K for children under 10. The event typically hosts 100 to 500 participants, taking place within Nashotah Park. The course features wide, maintained trails covered in wood chips. Over 90% of the race unfolds within the park's wooded areas, passing Forest Lake and Grass Lake. The terrain is characterized as fast and flat, suitable for trail runners seeking less technical challenges on longer distances. Families are included, with children in the 1K receiving their own bibs, and this kids' race is complimentary for registered parents.

The Tombstone Trot guides runners and walkers through Prairie Home Cemetery, featuring a 5K run, a 2-mile walk, a Kiddos Run, and a 5K ruck. This October community race is organized by Prairie Home Cemetery and Silver Circle Sports Events, centered on the cemetery’s anniversary and its extensive local history. The route remains within the cemetery grounds, making the setting integral to the event. Participants pass a historic Waukesha landmark instead of a typical road course. A portion of the entry fees benefits Friends of Prairie Home Cemetery, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with funds designated for a monument and flagpole in the newer Veterans section. The event also offers a 50/50 raffle and sells Prairie Home Cemetery history books, contributing to a preservation fundraiser atmosphere rather than a standard 5K.

Driftless Distance Night is a summer evening track meet held under the lights at Central High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. While the 5k is the primary event, the schedule also features a Community Walk/Jog 5k and youth races, accommodating both those seeking a relaxed group run and runners aiming for fast track times. All events take place on the track at 1801 Losey Blvd S, with participants eligible to enter one or multiple races. The 5k is divided into Open, Seeded, and Elite heats, with pacers set for 20:00, 17:00, and 15:00 respectively. The youth meet, organized in partnership with River City Run Club, includes 200m, 1600m, and 3200m races. Spectators are welcome, and registration includes a free shirt. All proceeds benefit the Driftless Distance Project's initiatives in running.

The Chilly Willy Winter Run Series features seven events held in Wisconsin between November and March. The series focuses on cold-weather running, offering 5K and 10K races at most locations, alongside a walking series and two half marathons throughout the season. Presented by Silver Circle Sports Events, LLC, the series allows half marathon participants to remain in contention on days without their chosen distance; they are placed in the 10K category for those events. Rucking, which involves hiking with a weighted backpack and originates from military training, is now available at all events as a lower-impact fitness choice.

The Frosty Rock Challenge takes place in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, starting at Fort Atkinson High School on a Saturday in November. It features three distances: a 12k run, a 5k run, and a free 1-mile walk/run. This variety accommodates runners seeking a longer mixed-surface course, as well as families and walkers. The 12k and 5k require a pre-registration fee, and event T-shirts are available for purchase. The Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson organizes the race. The 12k course begins at the high school, incorporating both roads and trails as it extends into Dorothy Carnes County Park before looping back to the school grounds. Participants will pass the historic Mason Farms log home and traverse areas of oak savannah, marshes, wetlands, and prairie. Proceeds from the race benefit Fort Rotary projects, such as local park enhancements, school programs, and non-profit initiatives. Additionally, funds contribute to food, health, water, and sanitation efforts in countries including the Philippines, India, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Poland, and Ukraine.

The Abominable Trail Race takes place at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, featuring woods, hills, and various distance options suitable for casual walkers and runners seeking a challenging outing. The available race distances are 5K, 10K, 15K, and 30K, with the shorter distances welcoming participants of all skill levels. The 30K Challenge, the longest event, can be completed individually or as a relay by teams of two, three, or four. This is the fourth year for the race, and it offers a clearly marked course, chip timing, complimentary action photos, an Abominable shirt, a finisher medal, and a beverage at the end.

The Bucks & Does 13.1 Pointer is a Wisconsin race that uses deer-season wordplay. Runners can select a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, named the 5-Pointer, 10-Pointer, and 13.1-Pointer, respectively. The event takes place in November, serving as preparation for Wisconsin's deer season. It also offers a 5 Pointer Walk, 5K Ruck, 10K Ruck, a free Bambi Run for children, and an early start option for the half marathon. The course specifics are not detailed, but the race strongly embraces its theme. Participants receive a wooden finisher medal known as a woodle. Deer puns are incorporated throughout the event, and runners are informed that they may see actual deer along the course or within the surrounding woods. The name originated from a community naming competition, where "Bucks & Does Fifty Pointer" was the winning entry before the event's current lineup was established around the pointer-distance format.

Birdie Derby is a Thanksgiving morning 10K run and 5K run/walk in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, starting at 5500 E. Cheryl Parkway. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and includes individual and team entries, untimed 5K walking options, virtual 5K and 10K choices, and a free 100-yard Kids Dash for ages 2 to 6 with a paid adult registration. The race complements Madison’s Thanksgiving routine: participants get active before the holiday meal, then receive a race bib, long-sleeved shirt or tech hoodie, knit hat, free photos, and Sportstats timing on a precisely measured course. Finish-line items include a Kwik Trip Glazer, chocolate milk, banana, water, and free Oasis Cafe coffee or hot chocolate before and after the race. All proceeds benefit a Wisconsin nonprofit and support Active Youth Wisconsin, which helps children become active by providing equipment and clothing.

The Madison Turkey Trot 5K is a Thanksgiving Day run/walk in Madison, Wisconsin, held near the Alliant Energy Center on Alliant Energy Center Way. The primary event is a 5K, offering both timed and untimed participation, allowing individuals aiming for a personal best and those preferring a leisurely holiday stroll to join on the same morning. The event accommodates families with a 5K Kid's Division Fun Run for children 11 and under, and a free Kids Dash for those 8 and under. A Virtual 5K option is available for participants who wish to receive their bib, event shirt, and finisher medal by mail. The race encourages participants to share Thanksgiving photos using #TurkeyTradition.

The Gobble Wobble is a Thanksgiving morning 5K and walk hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Y. It is designed for families, offering 5K and Wobble Walk choices, with separate pricing for adults and children, and complimentary entry for kids under 6. The race also benefits the Y's financial assistance program, making the holiday run a fundraiser for local access to YMCA programs. Instead of a single start line, the Gobble Wobble utilizes four race locations throughout the greater Philadelphia area. The listed sites include the Haverford Y in Havertown and the Navy Yard Marine Parade Grounds on South Broad Street in Philadelphia. Haverford's 5K begins at 8:30 AM. A virtual option is also available for those traveling, out of town, or not wishing to wake early on Thanksgiving morning.