5K races near Stony Brook

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 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 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 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 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 Ridgefield Road Fest begins at the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield in Ridgefield, Connecticut, offering three road-race options: a half marathon, a 7-miler, and a 5K. This October running event features distances of 21.1 km, 11.3 km, and 5.0 km. The course provides runners a choice between a half-marathon effort, a middle-distance road race, or a shorter 5K. The Iris Fund benefits from the 5K, and the series is celebrating its 50th anniversary, adding local history to the event.

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