Esplanade 5K Run & Walk

🏃‍♂️ ESPLANADE 5K RUN & WALK

The Esplanade Association (EA) invites YOU to enjoy a new season and new pace to support the same great cause! Rather than spring, we scheduled the annual 5K on Sunday, October 26—with hopes that a free parking day in the City of Boston amid fall foliage is a great opportunity to costume up and celebrate fitness and community in the park before Halloween!

🚶‍♀️ INTRODUCING A WALK OPTION

Building on the successful history of our beloved 5K Race, we are also introducing a dedicated Walk in succession to the annual Run. This staggered option will allow more individuals (including dog walkers, strollers and rollers!) to participate at their own pace and comfort level, while keeping pathway safety in mind as to not overcrowd the course.

🎉 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Family Fun: There will be plenty to enjoy for 5K participants and fans alike, including fall-themed activities for the entire family.
• Vendor Fair: Free samples from vendors, food, music, and for those 21+, access to the Night Shift Beer Garden.
• Quick Sign-Up: Spots will fill up quickly, so don’t miss out on the fun and sign up today!

📍 EVENT DETAILS

Location: Charles River Esplanade, Fiedler Field

Please Note: This is a different location in the park than in previous event years. It is next to the Night Shift Beer Garden across the lagoon from the Hatch Memorial Shell

🕒 EVENT TIMES

• 5K Run: Begins at 9:00am (rain or shine!) with Awards immediately following.
• 5K Walk: Begins at 11:00am.
• Vendor Fair: Starts at 8:00am along with the Registration Table and continues through the event.

📝 REGISTRATION AND TICKETS

Pre-Event Registration (closes Thursday, October 23rd at 9:00pm EST)

We highly recommend securing your spot sooner rather than later as this event tends to sell out!

• $35.00: Run Registration includes a chipped bib for timing and race results + prizes.
• $30.00: Walk Registration includes a bib (not chipped for time).

Day-of Registration

• $45.00: Day-of Registration (both Run & Walk). Only available if not sold out.

🎁 REGISTRATION INCLUDES

5K Run ONLY

• One custom bib with timing chip and official race results.
• A chance at prizes for top runners across various age and gender brackets.

5K Walk ONLY

• One custom bib (no timing chip).

ALL Registrants Will Receive

• Virtual Prize Bag (shared post event via email).
• Pre-Event Packet with information, sent out virtually.
• One 18 oz customized eco-friendly commemorative cup! These are made from 100% recycled material and reusable. Learn more.

🏅 5K RUN CATEGORIES

• 1st Place Overall in Male/Female/Non-binary.
• 10 & Under Male/Female.
• 11-14 Male/Female.
• 15-19 Male/Female.
• 20-29 Male/Female.
• 30-39 Male/Female.
• 40-49 Male/Female.
• 50-59 Male/Female.
• 60-69 Male/Female.
• 70-79 Male/Female.
• 80+ Male/Female.

📦 BIB & PACKET PICKUP

Early Bib Pickup

• There will be options to pick up your bib prior to race day. Stay tuned for details.

Day Of Pickup

• You may also pick up your bib starting at 8am day-of at the Registration Tent. Lines can be long so we recommend getting there on the early side or picking up early.

👥 TEAM REGISTRATION

Registering a team can be done online during the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact programs@esplanade.org

🚩 SPONSORSHIP & TABLING

Interested in seeing your company as a supporter or are you hoping to share about your company/organization by setting up a table or booth? Learn more about event sponsorship opportunities and tabling by contacting programs@esplanade.org

🤝 VOLUNTEER

If you are interested in volunteering at the 5K, please email Molly Ryan at mryan@esplanade.org

🐾 DOGS AND STROLLERS POLICY

We welcome families, walkers, and furry friends—but safety comes first!

Strollers and leashed dogs are permitted during the 5K Walk only. For the safety of all participants, they are not allowed in the 5K Run.

If you plan to bring a stroller or dog for the Walk, please review the following guidelines:

• Start at the back: of the Walk to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.
• Leash Requirement: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Behavior Expectations: Please ensure your dog is well-behaved, up to date on vaccinations, and comfortable in crowds.
• Clean-Up: Be prepared to clean up after your dog—waste bags are required.

These policies help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone on the Esplanade. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

♿ KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to making the event as accessible and inclusive as possible. Here’s what to know about navigating the event space:

• Entrances:
  • The Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge at Charles Circle is the most accessible entry point to the park. There are two at-grade entrances to the park on either end of the park.
• Interior Footbridges:
  • There are footbridges inside of the park that will be used as part of the race route that are constructed with cobblestone, creating an uneven surface.