5K races near Hilton

The ROCtoberfest 5K, presented by Strangebird, is an October 5K run/walk in Rochester, taking place at Genesee Valley Park. This race combines a straightforward park 5K with a charity fundraiser, allowing participants to run or walk while donating to local organizations. The event is designed to assist Rochester charities in raising funds without the burden of organizing and executing their own races. The Oktoberfest theme is evident in the suggestion to wear running shoes and lederhosen, positioning it as a casual community fundraiser rather than a competitive road-racing event.

Boos & Brews 5K is a Halloween-themed, costume-friendly 5K in Mendon, New York, near Rochester. The race takes place on the Lehigh Valley Trail. The setup is straightforward: a short trail run with awards for overall and age-group winners. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes, though it's not required. The event embraces the Halloween spirit with a costume contest. Afterward, the focus shifts to the "brews" at a post-race party held at the Cottage Hotel Restaurant. The event also benefits David’s Refuge in Rochester, an organization that supports parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions.

The Spiritus Christi Riverwalk for Mental Health is an October walk beginning at Spiritus in Celebration Hall. It is an annual, family-friendly fundraiser, offering coffee and donuts before the walk and a meal afterward. The event supports no-cost mental healthcare for the under- or uninsured. Children may wear Halloween costumes for a parade and enjoy free crafts and coloring activities. Following the walk, attendees receive a complimentary luncheon featuring homemade soups, pizza, veggie trays, and pulled pork. The Center provided assistance to 300 individuals last year through over 2,900 appointments and facilitated more than 100 referrals to community services.

The UR Medicine Home Care Hospice 5K is a Sunday-morning run/walk in Rochester, New York, beginning at 1000 East River Road. The primary event is a 5K, with a 1.25-mile walk starting at the same 9:30 AM time. Fleet Feet presents the race listing for local runners and walkers. The race raises funds and awareness for hospice care in the greater Rochester area. Many participants use the day to honor loved ones who received hospice services, while fundraising supports hospice services and related support programs. Virtual 5K and virtual 1.25-mile walk options allow participation for those unable to attend in person.

Stars & Stripes VeteRun is a family-friendly 5K based at Stewart Lodge in Mendon Ponds Park, near Honeoye Falls, New York. The race is run on Veterans Day, starts at 10:00 a.m., and gives people the choice of joining in person or completing the distance virtually. The distance is a straightforward 5K, or 3.1 miles, with Stewart Lodge listed as the start location. The event honors veterans and active military members, and its fundraising supports Honor Flight Rochester, the local group that helps veterans visit military memorials in Washington, D.C.

The Dirt Cheap Stage Race is a three-day trail running series. It includes a short Friday time trial, a middle-distance Saturday run, and a longer Sunday stage. Participants can register for a single stage, two stages, or the entire series. The first event is a 3-mile trail run on Pond Road; headlamps are mandatory for those still running after sunset. The second stage covers 5.5 miles at Devils Bathtub and concludes with a stair climb. The final stage is an 11-mile run on Sunday morning. This format benefits participants completing all three days over those with the fastest single-stage times. Timing and post-race food are provided after each stage. The first 200 registrants receive a custom mug. Only runners registered for the full series and who complete all three races earn the hoodie. The hoodie is a race tradition; its design is traditionally kept secret until finishers earn it at the conclusion of the final stage. An early-start option for Stage 3 is available to select runners, determined by Friday results and race director discretion.

The Rochester Ugly Sweater 5K is a 5K run in the Rochester, New York area, usually held in early December with runners dressed for the holidays. Recent listings place it in Mendon, Honeoye Falls, and Webster, so the series appears to move among nearby communities rather than belong to one fixed start line. It supports David’s Refuge, a charity that helps caregivers of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions. The race leans hard into the costume side: runners get custom Ugly Sweater bibs, finisher medals that can hang as holiday ornaments, and access to a post-race party with awards. Charity Bib Runners are encouraged to raise $500 and receive a Santa or Grinch stocking. Prizes go to categories like Best Ugly Sweater, Most Creative, and Funniest, and past fields have included Elf on the Shelf outfits and a group dressed as toys from the Land of the Misfit Toys.