5K races near Kennebunk

The New England Ostomy 5k is a 5 km run and walk at Wallis Sands State Park in Rye Beach, New Hampshire, for Ostomy Awareness Day. The event offers open and ostomate 5k divisions, and a kids’ fun run for children ages 12 and under, allowing runners, walkers, wheelchair users, families, and supporters to participate. The course runs along the Atlantic coast, starting at Wallis Sands State Park. Race morning activities include packet pickup, a raffle, greetings, announcements, stretching, and a timed run. All proceeds benefit the United Ostomy Associations of America, a nonprofit supporting ostomy awareness and community education; donations are tax deductible.

The Great Island 5K begins and ends at Great Island Common, located at the mouth of the Piscataqu River in New Castle, New Hampshire. This 5K road race takes place on Great Island, utilizing local roads that wind through the town’s coastal and historic landscape. The event offers more than just the 5K race: three children’s fun runs are available, along with a playground for families. Post-race food will be provided, and the first 700 registered runners will receive a race hat. Additionally, a large free raffle is held, with all proceeds from the Great Island 5K benefiting a charity.

The Wicked 5K & 10K begins and ends at Federal Jack's Restaurant and Brewpub in Kennebunk, Maine. The event centers on Halloween costumes, coastal roads, and a brewpub after-party. The series features chip-timed 5K and 10K races, alongside the Kid's Wicked Dash for younger participants. The main races commence in the morning, with the kids' run starting shortly thereafter. This established local event, now in its 17th year, maintains a relaxed atmosphere suitable for strollers, families, costume runners, and those seeking a timed race that still includes a festive element. The 5K and 10K courses follow coastal roads near Kennebunk. The kids' dash starts at the arch, proceeds down Doane's Wharf Road, turns, and returns to the finish. Costumes are encouraged, with a contest and a winner's plaque. Awards are also presented to overall finishers and age-group runners up to 80+. All Kid's Dash finishers receive a medal. Following the race, adult runners of legal drinking age are offered Shipyard beers, live music begins at Federal Jack's, and a portion of the proceeds benefits The Community Gourmet, with volunteer support from The Sand Witches of Kennebunks and Seacoast Lions Club.

Holistic Hustle is a small trail race at Emmons Preserve in Kennebunkport, with timed 5K and 10K run/walk options plus a student event for ages 13 and under. The morning schedule starts with registration, then the 10K, kids fun run, 5K run/walk, and finally awards and the raffle. It is in its fourth annual running and is organized around School Around Us, a 501(c)(3) co-learning community founded in 1970 for students ages 5 to 14. The course uses the preserve’s trail setting, with venue and trail maps provided through Emmons Preserve. First-place overall male and female runners are awarded in both the 5K and 10K, but the event also makes room for walkers, families, and children doing either a timed 5K or a half-mile fun run. The morning includes music, face painting, yard games, Congdon’s doughnuts, cookies, hot chocolate, Wicked Joe coffee, wood-burned finisher medals for all participants, and a raffle with local gift cards and prizes, some valued up to $250.

The Wells Veterans Day 5K begins and ends at the Trailblazers Family Club on Bills Lane in Wells, Maine. This 3.1-mile run or walk takes place annually around Veterans Day, organized by the Wells Chamber of Commerce. It is designed for regular runners, walkers, families, and those new to the 5K distance, offering reduced student pricing and free entry for children aged 10 and under. The course follows flat, quiet back roads in Wells, making it suitable for participants aiming for a personal best and those completing their first race. Funds raised support Honor Flight Maine. The first 100 paying registrants will get a men's long-sleeve shirt. Now in its 13th year, the race has become a local tradition without feeling exclusive to elite runners.

The Turkey Trot is a 5K run/walk starting at 14 Lower Tarbox Road in Hollis, Maine. This is the third year for the event, designed for those who wish to run, walk, or bring their family to a short, local race. The event is introducing a children’s price to encourage greater youth participation, aligning with its aim to establish the Turkey Trot as a family tradition. All entry fees are retained within the event and recreation program; each dollar raised supports the next 5K and strengthens community recreation in Hollis.

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 Seaside Santa Dash begins and ends at Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Kennebunk, Maine. Participants run and walk along the Maine coast dressed in Santa and elf attire. The event includes a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, and a kids’ Elf Dash, allowing families to choose between a brief holiday activity or a competitive morning race. The costume element is a key tradition: those who register early receive a complimentary Santa or Elf suit. Runners also get a race T-shirt, bib, refreshments, and two Shipyard beers. Following the races, attendees convene at Federal Jack’s for live music performed by Checkered Past LIVE. Awards are presented to overall finishers, age group winners, and children. The modest entry fee for children ensures the Elf Dash is an integral part of the event.