5K races near Guilford

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 Fishbein / YMCA Community Road Race is a running series in Wallingford, Connecticut, offering short distances: 1 km, 1.6 km, and 5 km. It takes place in October and is designed for local involvement, with options suitable for children, beginners, walkers, and runners seeking a standard 5K. The event has roots nearly 50 years old, originating from a Wallingford tradition established by Johanna Manfreda Fishbein. Over the years, it evolved into a town-wide collaboration, with various Wallingford organizations cooperating on the race.

The Apple Harvest Road Races take place on a fall morning in Southington, organized by the Southington Community YMCA. The main races begin near Columbus Boulevard and the YMCA. The event offers multiple options for participants: a 5-mile race, a 5K, a middle school 5K, a 2-mile health walk, a Y CUP 1-mile race for fourth and fifth graders, and Little Fritter Fun Runs for younger children. The 5-mile race starts from the top of Columbus Boulevard, followed by the 5K from the same location. The health walk commences in front of the YMCA. Y CUP runners enter the course at the 2.1-mile mark of the 5K, and the Little Fritter races commence after the 5-mile and 5K races conclude. Awards are presented across numerous age groups for the 5K and 5-mile events. Local recognition is important, with distinct memorial trophies awarded to the top Southington finishers, including the Dave Gworek Trophy for the 5-mile race and the Tony Manning Trophy for the 5K.

The Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase begins at Ivoryton Library in Ivoryton, Connecticut. It includes a 5K road-and-trail race and a Kiddie Pumpkin Fun Run for children age 7 and under. The event takes place during peak foliage season in southern New England, and registration includes a T-shirt. The race supports the Ivoryton Library and its programs, with assistance from the Essex Land Trust. The 5K route starts with approximately half a mile on North Main Street, then proceeds onto Falls River Drive before entering Falls River Preserve near the one-mile point. Within the preserve, participants navigate a 1.1-mile loop alongside the Falls River. The trail consists of about half a mile of double track followed by hilly, rocky single track. This combination of village road, preserve trail, and a family race distinguishes it as a local fall event.

The Larry Hohler Bi-Continental 5k Fun Run/Walk is a 5k event held at Saint Anselm’s Episcopal Church in Shoreham, New York. Participants can run or walk the course. A family-pack option and a virtual 5k are available for those unable to attend in person. The race was established to honor Larry Hohler and generates funds for Hope Children’s Fund. The “Bi-Continental” designation reflects the race’s connection between Long Island and Meru, Kenya, where Hope Children’s Fund assists orphaned children. Hope Children’s Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization registered in New York State, founded in 2005. It provides necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, and educational opportunities. The organization states it has no paid employees or offices in the United States, ensuring donations directly benefit the children. A local Kenyan team of twelve manages the orphanage in Meru, which currently houses 92 children.

The Great Pumpkin Classic is a Saturday morning race in Morton offering a 10K and a 2-mile fun run/walk. The 2-mile begins at 7:15am, followed by the 10K at 7:30am to prevent congestion at the split and finish line. The shorter event is untimed and accommodates strollers and wheelchairs; roller blades and dogs are prohibited in both races. The course is flat, passing through town towards Morton's outskirts, and returns 10K participants to a Jefferson Street finish within the Pumpkin Festival. Nestle Libby's sponsors the event. The post-race gathering features beverages, snacks, music, a relaxation area for participants and families, and pumpkin donuts prior to the awards ceremony around 9:00am.

The 18th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Cancer Center marks 18 years of hope, healing, and courage.

Run The Runway 5K & Kids Fun Run offers runners and walkers a unique opportunity to race on the runway at Meriden Markham Airport in Meriden, Connecticut. The children's race begins, followed by the 5K. The event is presented by the airport, the City of Meriden, and the Meriden Running Club. The 5K begins on the Meriden Markham runway, proceeds through the South Meriden neighborhood, and finishes back on the airfield. Proceeds benefit DAV: Disabled American Veterans. The children's run is free. Awards for the 5K are given to overall winners and age-group finishers. Dogs are prohibited on the airfield property.

The Robert J. Lynes Memorial Road Race is a 5K run/walk at Hubbard Park in Meriden, Connecticut, preceded by a free kids Fun Run. The 5K covers 3.1 miles and honors Bobby Lynes, a lifelong Meriden resident. The race is closely associated with Hubbard Park; donations and proceeds benefit the Robert J. Lynes Memorial Fund, which aids park preservation and beautification. Registration is exclusively online, with fees dependent on the signup period. Early 5K registrants will receive a race T-shirt.

The Vicki Soto 5K is a November 5-kilometer run and walk in Connecticut. It is now based in Bridgeport, with the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater as its race location. The event honors Victoria Soto, a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who died while protecting her students. Proceeds benefit the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund. The race started as a local tribute in Stratford, with routes passing through the Lordship section of Vicki’s hometown. It has also taken place in Bridgeport. Participants include runners, walkers, educators, families, students, and supporters of all ages, with thousands attending. Funds raised support high school seniors studying education and literacy programs, keeping the day connected to teaching and classrooms.

The Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K is a Thanksgiving morning road race held annually between Shelton and Derby, Connecticut. It begins at 8 a.m. in downtown Shelton. This is a live 5K, but a virtual option is also available, offering runners a three-day window to complete their race. The event was established in 2002 with approximately 300 participants and has since grown, reaching a 750-runner field and selling out early for many years. The course commences on Canal Street in Shelton, proceeds through Derby, and circles back to Shelton, highlighting the two downtown areas the race was established to showcase. A small volunteer committee manages the event, supported by numerous additional volunteers on race day who contribute their holiday time. The race commemorates Commodore Isaac Hull and has generated around $175,000 for the Boys & Girls Club. Participants receive shirts, awards are presented, and refreshments are provided before and after the run. The event has taken place regardless of weather conditions, including rain, snow, fog, and even a year with pre-race lightning.