5K races near Hooksett

The Friends of the Poor 5K begins at the New Ipswich Congregational Church on Main Street in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, on a fall Saturday morning. It provides a timed 5K run and a 5K walk, both scheduled from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The run requires an adult entry fee and has a reduced youth price, while the walk is free. The course is a 5K planned to showcase peak fall foliage, and the event is intended for families as well as runners. All proceeds benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to assist in feeding local families, and sponsor pledges are encouraged. Early registrants receive shirts; runners get a long-sleeve wicking shirt, and walkers receive a T-shirt. Following the race, attendees can remain for a prize raffle.

The Warner Fall Foliage Festival 5K is a 5K run/walk on Warner, New Hampshire's roads, held annually as part of the town's Fall Foliage Festival. This is a community race, not exclusively for runners, with walkers welcomed and official timing provided by North Star Timing. The course follows local Warner roads, and the festival atmosphere attracts volunteers, sponsors, and a wide local audience. The race recently achieved a record number of participants, offers free T-shirts to its first 100 registrants, and receives support from Delta Dental and Maple Syrup Farms.

The Howl-O-Ween 5K Run/Walk begins at Fisher Cats Stadium in Manchester, New Hampshire. The event starts at 10 AM and has a Halloween theme. It is a timed 5K run/walk managed by Second Wind Timing. Families, walkers, runners, and leashed dogs are welcome. The event supports the Animal Rescue League of NH, aligning with its dog-friendly nature. Costumes are encouraged for both people and dogs. The race will feature event photography, with a portion of digital photo sales benefiting ARLNH. Those who register early will receive a race shirt. The event fosters a community atmosphere for animal enthusiasts.

The Dan Healy Memorial 5K is a 5 km run in Exeter, New Hampshire, beginning at the Dan R. Healy Outdoor Pool. It is an annual community race honoring Dan Healy, a U.S. Navy SEAL from Exeter who died in Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings. The race benefits the Dan Healy Foundation, directing funds to veterans, single-parent households on the Seacoast, and scholarships for students pursuing military or trade careers. Participants run alongside volunteers, sponsors, town staff, Exeter police, parks staff, and supporters like the New Hampshire Patriot Guard Riders, whose missions welcome veterans and non-veterans.

The Hamsterwheel is a timed trail-running event in New Boston, New Hampshire, held in November on a marked 4-mile loop near the Hillsborough County Fairground. Participants select solo or relay formats, with race durations from 6 hours up to 30 hours. The objective is straightforward: complete as many laps as possible within your chosen category's time limit. The loop utilizes the New Boston Rail Trail and has runners as straightforward, not technical. This emphasizes pacing, nutrition, and mental fortitude over navigating difficult terrain. Spectators and support crews can observe runners every 4 miles, a benefit for ultrarunners. The event has seen significant mileage achieved, such as Cody Cutler's 144 miles in the 30-hour race, completed after 36 out-and-back segments on the rail trail.

Rachel's Run passes a memorial bench for Rachel Ortman in Family Park on the west side of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is a family-friendly 5K and 10K, scheduled for Saturday morning with a 9:00 AM start and an 11:00 AM finish. The course stays in Family Park and includes the bench installed in Rachel's memory. The event brings together runners, walkers, families, bicyclists, and people from Rachel's wider community, including fellow mothers, doctors, and her pastor. Family pricing is offered for households of four or more, and the race carries Rachel's challenge to #lovebetter.

The Drew Ceppetelli Turkey Trot is a 5K in Barrington, New Hampshire, starting from 276 Smoke Street on Thanksgiving morning. It is a nonprofit run and walk held in memory of Drew Ceppetelli, with proceeds supporting a scholarship fund in her name. The course is mostly flat and beginner-friendly, allowing participants to run, jog, or walk at their own pace. Friends, family, neighbors, first-time 5K participants, and casual walkers share the route, many wearing pink shirts made for the race or similar attire. Registration is available in advance or on race morning, and donations to the scholarship fund can be added during registration or given at the event.

The Jingle Bell Half Marathon & 5K is a Christmas-season running event in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Both the half marathon and 5K begin in the morning at 100 Elliott Street. The event focuses on holiday costumes, jingling gear, and a relaxed winter-race atmosphere, distinct from a competitive road-racing style. A virtual option is available alongside the in-person races. The Haverhill course concludes at Northern Essex Community College. It is promoted as a run or walk through New England winter scenery, attracting approximately 1,000 to 5,000 participants. The Jingle Bell name also links to the established Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5K. This race starts and finishes in Davis Square, travels through Somerville's streets and public spaces, frequently sells out in advance, and concludes with a post-race gathering at neighborhood bars.