5K races near Greenwich

The Running for Water for Africa 5K begins and ends at Walnut Beach Pavilion, featuring a 3.1-mile run/walk. This is the race's 13th year, welcoming both runners and walkers, not solely those aiming for a quick finish. The event also offers a 1 Mile Walk and a Kids Run, providing shorter distances for families and less experienced participants. The 5K course is a flat road, suitable for beginners, walkers, and regular runners seeking a simple local race.

The Great South Bay Run starts and finishes at Bay Shore Marina Park in Bay Shore, New York, with the Great South Bay and Fire Island visible from the finish. This annual road-running series, sponsored by Northwell Health, offers three USATF-certified courses: a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K Family Fun Run. The routes guide runners through Bay Shore’s historic downtown before proceeding along residential streets near Brightwaters Lakes, Cascades, and Canals. The field typically numbers between 500 and 1,000 participants, giving it the feel of a local Long Island race day rather than a large city marathon. The program accommodates half-marathoners, 10K runners, families, and newer runners.

The NYRR Jersey City 5K is a fast, flat 5K in downtown Jersey City, located across the Hudson River from Manhattan. This race is designed for runners seeking a quick competition, a pace assessment, or an opportunity for a personal best before a major fall event. The event is scored, provides a 9+1 credit option for NYRR members, and includes a New Balance long-sleeve tech shirt for participants.

The JC Green Half, 10K, and 5K is a Jersey City race series offering a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K. It takes place in October during National Healthy Lung Month and is now in its sixth annual running. Sustainable JC organizes the event with CityTri. The day focuses on fundraising alongside the races. Its cause is respiratory health awareness, providing the series a local public-health focus beyond the typical fall road-race event.

The Gemstone Sparkle Sprint 5K is a fall trail race in Wilton, Connecticut, starting from Quiet Lake Lane. It is a nonprofit running event with a 5K option for runners and walkers, plus a shorter accessible Sparkle Stroller run/walk of 0.75 miles. The event is hosted with Prospector Theater, CT Run Co., and Brooks, and it supports the Prospectors’ work creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities. The race is returning for its third edition, and the setup points to a family-friendly morning with food, spectators, sponsorship options, and room for both trail runners and people who want a shorter accessible route.

The Bagel Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Brooklyn is a small private group run in Brooklyn centered on a simple idea: run for carbs, then get bagels. It provides a 5K, 10K, half marathon, Family 1 Mile Fun Run, a virtual option, and a no-shirt eco-registration. In-person starts are grouped into a morning window from 7:30 to 10:30 EDT. Runners and walkers can participate at any pace. Children under 18 may join with a guardian. Waves are capped and may sell out, so late entrants might need the waitlist or virtual run. Timing is optional; participants can track their run using apps like Strava, RunKeeper, or Nike Run and submit results online.

The Coffee Lovers Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Brooklyn begins and ends at Bartel Lot in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Participants can select a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, with a 1-mile Family Fun Run also available. This event is structured as a small group run using capped waves, not a large, chip-timed competition. Morning wave starts are scheduled, and a virtual participation option exists for the three primary distances. The course is contained within Prospect Park; the precise map will be provided to entrants before race day. Participants of all speeds, including walkers, are welcome, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Timing is not mandatory; runners may use apps like Strava, RunKeeper, or Nike Run to track their progress and submit a result for posting if desired. Bibs will be distributed on race day, and merchandise will be mailed to US addresses, potentially including a shirt, finisher medal, towel, or other item. An eco-friendly registration option without a shirt is also offered.

The Suffolk County Marathon is an annual Long Island race weekend featuring a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1K Kids Fun Run, and a Virtual Mile Mission. The main Sunday races begin in the Village of Babylon and conclude at Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore. Saturday races start and finish within Gardiner County Park. The 5K remains entirely within the park. Combo entries are available, including marathon-and-5K, half-and-5K, and 10K-and-5K, for participants seeking multiple events. The half marathon and marathon routes cross the Robert Moses Causeway, incorporating a distinct Long Island landmark rather than a simple road loop. The event accommodates a broad spectrum of runners and walkers; the 5K is open to ages 14 to 99, and a children's race is provided for younger participants. The Virtual Mile Mission allows participants to complete miles through various activities like walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or using a treadmill. This race series supports local veterans programs, with proceeds benefiting veterans on Long Island. The marathon has contributed over $1 million to local veterans' services.

The Happy Jack 5K begins and ends at Germonds Park in West Nyack, New York. This is an officially timed out-and-back 5K suitable for runners and walkers. It is held annually in memory of John Thomas “Happy Jack” Doyle. The race series also includes a virtual 5K and a kids’ fun run prior to the main event. The course follows local roads surrounding Germonds Park, with traffic control provided by the Clarkstown Police Department. Funds raised benefit The Happy Jack Fund, which provides yearly scholarships to high school students who have lost a sibling and offers support to families experiencing the loss of a child. All participants, kids and adults, receive medals. The first 200 main-event registrants will get race shirts. Teams are encouraged, and trophies will be awarded to the five largest teams based on registration.