Abner Oakes III Veterans Run 5K & 10K

The Abner Oakes III Veterans Run is a community road event in Hamden, Connecticut. It offers a 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Walk, starting from the Farmington Canal parking area on Sherman Avenue. The course follows the Farmington Canal Trail, providing a simple out-and-back route without traffic crossings. This event is designed for local runners, walkers, and supporters, not exclusively competitive athletes, although overall male, female, and non-binary finishers receive recognition. The 5K route includes a water station at mile 1.5. The 10K route has water stations at miles 1.5, 3, and 4.5. Awards are determined by overall race time, not chip time, making the start line clock significant. Proceeds benefit House of Heroes Connecticut, an organization that performs one-day, no-cost home repairs for veterans and their surviving spouses. Since 2012, the Connecticut chapter has assisted 276 military and public safety veterans or surviving spouses, completing projects in 73 cities and towns statewide.